Supreme Court Criticises NHAI for Charging Toll on Incomplete Paliyekkara Highway in Kerala

The Supreme Court questioned the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) for continuing toll collection at Kerala’s Paliyekkara plaza despite incomplete works and severe congestion.

Hearing NHAI’s challenge to a Kerala High Court order suspending toll for four weeks, CJI BR Gavai noted he had personally found the road in poor shape.

The Bench criticised disputes between NHAI and the concessionaire being fought at the expense of citizens. Justice K Vinod Chandran cited incidents, including a man missing a funeral due to traffic. 

The Court refused to stay the High Court order and will hear the matter on August 18.

[National Highway Authority of India and Anr. v OJ Janeesh and Ors.]