NHAI directed to create separate lane for VIPs, sitting judges in all toll plazas

Observing that any violation of this order by NHAI will be viewed seriously, the second division bench comprising Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh and Justice MV Muralidharan, said “It is disheartening to note that the vehicles of VIP and sitting judges are stopped at the toll and identity cards asked causing a lot of embarrassment without there being a separate lane in the toll.”

“It is very unfortunate that the sitting Judges are compelled to wait in the toll for about 10 to 15 minutes which has not been taken seriously by the Union Government as well as by the NHAI,” the bench added.

The bench was passing the above interim order while hearing a batch of petitions pending since 2015 including that of L&T Krishnagiri-Wallajapet Toll Way Limited, seeking for a direction to Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (Villupuram) Limited, and Salem division to pay the toll user fee.

The bench in its order further held that unless a separate lane is formed or provided for VIP’s including the sitting judges there will be unnecessary harassment and it is nothing but contempt on the part of NHAI.

Also, issuing a warning that a show cause notice will be issued to all the authorities concerned unless the same is not rectified or else the concerned authorities have to face bear the consequences, the bench said “A circular may be issued to each of toll collectors to provide separate lane for passing of VIPs and sitting judges vehicles and also to see that no other vehicles other than the above are allowed in that separate lane formed or provided for passing of VIP and sitting Judges vehicles. Any violation of the order by NHAI will be viewed seriously.”