Manisha Yadav
On 10 September 2025, the Kerala High Court, declined to lift its earlier interim order suspending toll collection at the Paliyekkara toll plaza along NH 544. This decision will remain in effect until the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) complies with the court’s directives regarding necessary road repairs Shaji J Kodankadath v. Union of India and connected cases.
A Division Bench comprised of Justices A. Muhamed Mustaque and Harisankar V. Menon had previously ordered the formation of an Interim Traffic Management Committee. This committee consists of the District Collector, District Police Superintendent, and Regional Transport Officer, tasked with monitoring traffic conditions in the area.
During proceedings, Thrissur District Collector Arjun Pandian informed the Bench that several issues persist and that instructions have been issued to the NHAI to address them.
Representing the NHAI, Assistant Solicitor General of India (ASG) A.R.L. Sundaresan assured the Court that the directives would be followed as soon as possible, although he indicated that these issues cannot be postponed indefinitely.
The Bench clarified that it does not intend to delay the matter further. However, they pointed out that the NHAI had ample time to respond since February when issues concerning the affected stretch of NH 544 were first raised.
Justice Mustaque remarked, “We also don’t want to postpone. We understand the dilemma faced by everyone, but you have had enough time since February when the District Collector initiated proceedings.”
The Bench directed the NHAI to report back once it has complied with the directions issued by the Collector and the Committee. Furthermore, it instructed the Collector to verify whether the NHAI has complied and to report back to the Court by Monday, September 15.
The Court’s directives came while considering petitions that challenged toll collection at Paliyekkara due to the poor conditions of NH 544, which have led to significant traffic congestion. One instance of traffic blockage was reported to have lasted over 12 hours.
After the High Court’s earlier order to suspend toll collection, the NHAI appealed to the Supreme Court, which dismissed the appeal. The Supreme Court also instructed the Kerala High Court to continue closely monitoring the situation.
On August 21, the Division Bench had ordered the establishment of the Interim Traffic Management Committee to oversee traffic conditions in the area. The committee, composed of the District Collector, Superintendent of Police, and Regional Transport Officer, was tasked with inspecting congested areas and making recommendations.
In a meeting on August 23, the committee submitted a report based on its inspections of multiple locations along the highway. The findings and recommendations from this report were reviewed during the August 26 hearing, at which point the Court extended the suspension of toll collection until September 9.
The Court instructed the District Collector to verify whether the NHAI addresses the issues highlighted by the Committee and to submit a report by September 15, when the case will be heard again.
Instagram:Click here
LinkedIn:Click here
For Collaboration and Business:info.desikaanoon@gmail.com