Kerala High Court Refuses to Lift Suspension on Toll at Paliyekkara

The Kerala High Court maintains its interim order suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza on NH-544, insisting that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) must first address critical road defects and congestion issues.

A Division Bench of Justices A Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V Menon noted that ongoing repair works and reports from the Interim Traffic Management Committee indicate unresolved faults affecting smooth traffic flow.

The objectors argued that toll collection before resolving these issues is unjust, stressing that public trust in highway services must not be compromised.

The court directs the District Collector to verify compliance by September 15, with toll collection remaining halted until improvements are certified.

[Shaji Kodankadath v UOI]