The Delhi High Court has directed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to address a representation regarding the alleged improper collection of toll fees and the installation of toll plazas on highways across the country. 

A bench consisting of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela issued the directive on September 25 while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL). The court disposed of the petition, allowing the petitioner to submit a detailed representation to the NHAI within two weeks. The authorities are then required to resolve the matter within four weeks in accordance with the law.

The petitioner, advocate Anand Mishra, highlighted that under the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates & Collection) Rules, the NHAI is prohibited from collecting tolls on incomplete sections of highways, and toll plazas cannot be established within a 60-kilometer radius of each other.

Mishra's plea alleged that the NHAI has been collecting excessive toll fees from commuters by violating these rules. He sought an order directing the NHAI to comply with Rule 3(2) and Rule 8(2) of the 2008 National Highways Fee Rules across India.

Additionally, the petition requested the court to direct NHAI to conduct a survey and form a committee to calculate the toll fees collected unlawfully and ensure that the excess amounts are refunded to commuters.

Rule 3(2) mandates that toll collection can only begin within 45 days of completing a section of a national highway, bridge, bypass, or tunnel built through public funds. Rule 8(2) restricts the establishment of toll plazas within 60 kilometers on the same section of a national highway in the same direction.

The petitioner also informed the court that a prior representation submitted to the NHAI in August had not been acted upon.