The Supreme Court of India stays the Madras High Court’s order halting NHAI‘s toll collection on the Madurai-Tuticorin highway, citing the need for further review. Learn about the legal conflict, road maintenance concerns, and toll collection debate.

Supreme Court Stays Madras HC Order on NHAI Toll Collection in Madurai-Tuticorin

On June 9, 2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a stay on the Madras High Court‘s directive to halt toll collection on the Madurai–Tuticorin Highway. This decision temporarily allows the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to resume toll collection while the matter undergoes further judicial review.

Bench Grants Interim Relief to NHAI

The ruling came during a hearing of a Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by the NHAI. The judicial bench comprised Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra and Justice Manmohan, who allowed the interim relief. Representing the NHAI was N. Venkataraman, the Additional Solicitor General of India, who argued that the toll collection should continue until a full hearing is conducted.

Opposition Terms Toll as ‘Daylight Robbery’

Senior Advocate P. Wilson, appearing for the respondents, fiercely opposed the stay. He called the toll collection “daylight robbery” given the highway’s poor condition. He argued that despite prior commitments, the NHAI had failed to repair the road, forcing commuters to pay tolls without receiving proper infrastructure services.

Supreme Court Emphasizes Legal Procedure

Despite Wilson’s concerns, the bench noted that the original writ petition filed in the High Court did not directly request a halt in toll collection. They emphasized due process and instructed Wilson to file a counter-affidavit. Justice Manmohan remarked, “Allow them to recover (toll) for now; then we can assess the situation.”

High Court’s Initial Ban Based on Road Conditions

On June 3, a division bench of Justice S. M. Subramaniam and Justice A. D. Maria Clete of the Madras High Court halted toll collection, citing the NHAI’s failure to maintain the highway. The court highlighted that according to the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988, toll collection is legally valid only if roads are properly maintained.

Court Asserts Public Right to Well-Maintained Roads

The High Court ruled that tolls should not be charged unless highways meet maintenance standards. “It is the duty of the National Highways Authority of India to ensure proper maintenance,” the order stated. Road users, the court emphasized, are entitled to quality infrastructure before being charged toll fees.