Bombay High Court Directs Maharashtra to Enforce Supreme Court Order on Toll Collection and Pothole-Free Roads
Bombay High Court Directs Maharashtra to Enforce Supreme Court Order on Toll Collection and Pothole-Free Roads
While allowing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to be withdrawn, the Bombay High Court’s Kolhapur Bench reminded the Maharashtra Government that it is bound to implement the Supreme Court’s directions on road maintenance and toll collection.
The Bombay High Court’s Kolhapur Bench has directed the Maharashtra Government to ensure strict implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions on pothole-free roads and toll collection across the state.
The direction came while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed over the condition of roads on the Kolhapur-Pune National Highway and the collection of toll despite potholes and poor road maintenance.
The PIL was filed by Raju alias Devappa Anna Shetti through advocate Yogesh Pandey, seeking implementation of the Supreme Court’s directions issued in the National Highways Authority of India vs O.J. Janeesh case. The petition sought enforcement of the apex court’s orders regarding proper road maintenance and toll collection on national highways.
A division bench comprising Justice Milind N. Jadhav and Justice Nandesh S. Deshpande observed that the petition was general in nature and, in effect, sought execution of an existing Supreme Court order. The bench said such continuous monitoring of compliance could not be carried out through the present PIL before the High Court.
Following the court’s observations, the petitioner sought permission to withdraw the PIL, which the bench allowed.
However, before disposing of the case, the High Court made it clear that the Maharashtra Government remains duty-bound to implement the Supreme Court’s directions concerning road maintenance and toll collection. The court instructed the state authorities to ensure compliance with the apex court’s orders.
The bench also preserved the petitioner’s liberty to initiate appropriate legal proceedings in the future if there is evidence of non-compliance with the Supreme Court’s directions.
The case has once again highlighted the long-standing public concern over toll collection on highways where motorists frequently complain about potholes, damaged stretches and inadequate maintenance. The issue has gained renewed attention after repeated demands from commuters and public representatives for better enforcement of road quality standards before toll is collected.
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) allows any concerned citizen or organisation to approach the court on matters affecting the larger public interest, including public safety, infrastructure, environmental issues and governance. Unlike private disputes, PILs seek judicial intervention for issues that impact society at large.
Disclaimer: This article is based on court proceedings and publicly available reports. The High Court has not ruled on the merits of toll collection in this case but has reiterated the Maharashtra Government’s obligation to comply with the Supreme Court’s existing directions.
