NHAI told to file reply on Sanwara toll plaza

Shimla, June 3

The High Court today directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to file its reply on a Public Interest Litigation petition, challenging the decision of collecting tax at the Sanwara toll plaza (Solan).

Apart from the NHAI, a Division Bench comprising Justice Ravi Malimath and Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua also directed the Centre and state government to file their replies and listed the matter for further hearing on June 22.

During the course of hearing, the petitioner urged the court that the authorities should be restrained from collecting toll at the Sanwara plaza. The court said the prayer for interim relief would be considered after the filing of the reply by the respondents.

The court, in it earlier order passed on June 1, had stayed the collection of toll at the plaza till June 2. The court passed this ordr on a PIL petition filed by Adit Singal, who has alleged the establishment of the plaza at Sanwara is illegal and contrary to the Rules of National Highway Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection)Rules, 2008. — OC