The Supreme Court toll suspension on NH-544 has sparked national debate on infrastructure accountability. In a landmark ruling, the apex court dismissed NHAI’s appeal against the Kerala High Court’s order halting toll collection due to poor road conditions and traffic congestion.
⚖️ Case Overview: NHAI v. OJ Janeesh & Ors
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Court | Supreme Court of India |
| Bench | CJI BR Gavai & Justice K Vinod Chandran |
| Issue | Challenge to toll suspension on NH-544 |
| Verdict | Appeal dismissed; toll suspension upheld |
| Date of Order | August 18, 2025 |
The Bench urged authorities to stop forcing citizens to pay tolls for roads they’ve already funded through motor vehicle taxes, especially when those roads suffer from potholes and bottlenecks.
🧑⚖️ Key Observations: Public Interest Comes First
“Let the citizens be free to move on the roads, for use of which they have already paid taxes, without further payment to navigate the gutters and pot-holes.” — Supreme Court
The Court criticized:
- The Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) model for overcharging users
- The neglect of road maintenance despite toll collection
- The environmental and emotional toll on citizens stuck in traffic queues
🚧 Accountability and Next Steps
- The Kerala High Court will continue monitoring road conditions
- NHAI or the concessionaire may request lifting the toll suspension once traffic improves
- The contractor responsible for “black spots” must be impleaded
- Any claim for damages will depend on proof of causation and congestion
The Court clarified that the High Court’s statement on NHAI liability is not absolute, and the appropriate forum must assess any compensation claims.
💬 Vakilify Insight
This ruling is a powerful reminder that infrastructure must serve the public, not exploit it. Toll collection isn’t a privilege—it’s a public duty. When roads crumble and bottlenecks persist, the judiciary reminds us that citizens deserve more than transactional infrastructure. They deserve dignity, mobility, and accountability.
🔗 Related Reading and Links
- 👉 Outbound: Indian Express Coverage
- 👉 Internal: Bank Guarantee Is an Independent Contract – Delhi HC
