Kerala High Court Halts Toll Collection Over Public Safety Concerns
The Kerala High Court suspended toll collection on NH 544's Edappally-Mannuthy stretch, citing public safety concerns due to construction work. It emphasized NHAI's obligation to ensure smooth traffic. The court mandated that toll collection would remain suspended until the central government takes remedial action.
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- India
The Kerala High Court has ruled against toll collection on the Edappally-Mannuthy stretch of NH 544, citing public safety concerns. The decision came as the court noted heavy traffic congestion and subpar maintenance of service roads caused by ongoing constructions.
In a significant ruling, a division bench comprising Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V Menon emphasized that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) must ensure unimpeded, regulated access to highways. The failure to do so, they argued, invalidates NHAI's right to collect user fees.
The court mandated suspension of toll collection for four weeks and directed the central government to address public grievances. It warned that the central authority held ultimate responsibility for setting toll rates and ensuring public accountability.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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