Balakrishnan Nair, J.

The petitioner is running a service station under the name and style of "M/s. Lakshmi Service Station", for servicing automobiles. He submits, the main business done in the service station is washing of motor vehicles. The said establishment was being run since 1987. It was having licence from the first respondent Municipality, issued from time to time. For the year 2003-04, the petitioner submitted an application for renewal of the licence, on 22-2-2003. But, the said application was rejected by the Municipality, on the ground that the petitioner failed to produce the consent from the Pollution Control Board for operation of his establishment. Later, Ext.P2 notice was issued, proposing further action to close down the service station and prosecute him. He submitted Ext.P3 reply, which was followed by Ext.P4. In Ext.P4 it was pointed out by the petitioner that other Municipalities are not insisting upon such a condition regarding consent of the Pollution Control Board for renewal of the licence. The petitioner was, later, told by Ext.P5 that as per the circular issued by the Director of Municipalities, for renewal of licence, consent of the Pollutio