Supreme Court Stays J&K High Court Order Slashing Toll by 80% on NH-44

The Supreme Court stayed the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court's directive to reduce toll fees by 80% at the Lakhanpur and Bann plazas on NH-44. 

The High Court had cited poor road conditions and invoked Rule 3 of the National Highways Fee Rules, 2008.

However, the NHAI, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, contended that tolls were already reduced to 75% under Rule 4(9) during ongoing construction.

The Supreme Court found that the High Court overstepped its jurisdiction and allowed NHAI to continue collecting toll at the 75% rate. The next hearing is scheduled for May 19, 2025.