Did the SC Halt the Madras HC's Toll Collection Order on the Madurai-Tuticorin Highway?
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Synopsis
In a pivotal decision, the Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the Madras High Court's order halting toll collection on the Madurai-Tuticorin highway. This ruling raises questions about road maintenance and the responsibilities of the NHAI. Can users expect better road conditions before tolls are charged? Stay tuned for more updates!
Key Takeaways
- The Supreme Court has temporarily suspended the Madras High Court order on toll collection.
- Road users are entitled to a well-maintained highway before paying tolls.
- The NHAI is required to ensure compliance with legal standards for road maintenance.
- The case highlights the ongoing debate about infrastructure quality and toll collection.
- Future toll collection is contingent upon adequate road conditions.
New Delhi, June 9 (NationPress) The Supreme Court, in a temporary ruling delivered on Monday, has suspended the enforcement of a decision made by the Madras High Court which had prohibited the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) from imposing toll charges on the Madurai-Tuticorin national highway.
A panel consisting of Justices Prashant Kumar Mishra and Manmohan agreed to review the special leave petition (SLP) submitted by the NHAI and has issued a notice to V. Balakrishnan, a retired assistant executive engineer from the Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation based in Tuticorin, the individual who initiated the plea that led to the Madras HC's contentious order dated June 3.
The stay order was contested by senior advocate P Wilson, who described toll collection as “daylight robbery”, attributing this to the subpar condition of the Madurai-Tuticorin highway.
The apex court instructed the respondents to finalize their pleadings, indicating that a thorough examination of the case would occur at a later date.
In its ruling, the Madras HC stated that the toll fee collection on the Madurai-Tuticorin national highway was “impermissible” and affirmed that road users are entitled to a “good condition” highway before they should be liable for toll fees as set by the NHAI.
The court mandated that NHAI authorities refrain from collecting toll fees from travelers journeying between Madurai and Tuticorin until the road is either reconstructed or maintained according to the standards outlined in the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.
Nonetheless, the bench of Justices S.M. Subramaniam and A.D. Maria Clete clarified that once the highway is restored to a satisfactory condition in compliance with the legal standards, the NHAI would be permitted to resume toll collection from road users. The Madras High Court acknowledged that the contract for maintaining the Madurai-Tuticorin national highways was terminated on March 17 of the previous year due to the contractor's failure to uphold NHAI standards.
Point of View
This ruling by the Supreme Court is a critical reminder of the importance of infrastructure maintenance and the accountability of the authorities involved. The tension between road users' rights and the financial mechanisms of toll collection must be addressed to ensure that citizens receive the quality of service they deserve. Nation always prioritizes the welfare of its citizens while holding authorities accountable for their responsibilities.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Supreme Court's ruling regarding toll collection?
The Supreme Court issued an interim order staying the Madras High Court's decision that prohibited the NHAI from collecting toll fees on the Madurai-Tuticorin highway.
Why did the Madras High Court halt toll collection?
The Madras High Court deemed toll collection 'impermissible' until the highway is maintained in good condition, as required by law.
Who filed the original petition against toll collection?
The original petition was filed by V. Balakrishnan, a retired assistant executive engineer from Tuticorin district.
What conditions must be met for toll collection to resume?
Toll collection may resume once the highway is maintained in accordance with the standards prescribed under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.
What are the implications of this ruling for road users?
Road users can expect to travel without toll fees until the highway is improved, ensuring they receive quality infrastructure in return for their toll payments.
