Lawyer Moves PIL Before Kerala High Court Challenging Toll Collection In National Highway

According to the petitioner, there is severe traffic congestion in the Mannuthy–Edappally stretch of NH 544, particularly near the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza, due to ongoing construction, especially the underpass projects sanctioned by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The petitioner has stated that due to the severe traffic congestion, the District Collector of Thrissur (5^th respondent) had issued an order (Exhibit P1) directing Guruvayoor Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (8^th respondent) to stop collecting toll fees for a limited period until effective measures were taken to ease traffic congestion. It is also stated that another order (Exhibit P2) was issued the very next day cancelling Exhibit P1 order and allowed toll collection to resume.

The petitioner has challenged the subsequent order that permitted toll collection as illegal, arbitrary, and violative of the principles of natural justice. It is also stated in the petition that the impugned cancellation order appears to have been passed under external influence and political pressure, undermining the public interest and administrative propriety.

When the matter came up before the Court for admission, the petitioner submitted that the toll collection is not in compliance with NHAI/ Policy Guidelines/Management of Plaza/2021 Policy Circular No.17.5.82 dated 24.05.2021. The 8^th respondent and the NHAI stated that the aforesaid circular is not applicable and that counter affidavits would be filed by each.

The matter is next posted on 26^th June for consideration.

The petition is moved by Advocates Sreelakshmi Sabu and P.K. Subhash.

Case Title: O.J. Janeesh v. Union of India and Ors.

Case No: WP(PIL) No. 35 of 2025