Rajasthan High Court Directs Collections From 'Illegal' Toll Plaza Be Used For Tree Plantation

The Rajasthan High Court has directed the Project Director of the Rajasthan State Highways Authority to expeditiously decide, within three months, an application seeking implementation of the District Collector's order directing relocation of an allegedly illegal toll plaza. The Court also directed that details of the toll collections be retained and placed before the Project Director, who shall pass appropriate orders for utilising the collected amount for planting shade-bearing trees in nearby public areas.The Court further warned that if the Project Director fails to decide the application within the stipulated period, appropriate proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 may be initiated against him.Observing that tree plantation would serve the larger public interest, the bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand said,“Planting trees as directed above, is one such initiative, which this Court considers to be appropriate, as trees, for as long as they thrive whether for decades or centuries will continuously and silently offer numerous benefits to the city and the surrounding community. Future generations will benefit from a cleaner, fresh and oxygen-rich environment.”Petitioners contended that the toll plaza had been established within two kilometres of the municipal limits of Beawar, allegedly in violation of Rule 8 of the Rajasthan State Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2015. It was submitted that despite raising their grievance before the authorities, no action was taken, compelling them to approach the High Court earlier. Accordingly, an order was passed by the Court in January 2026, directing the concerned authorities to decide the grievance. In this regard, an application was filed by the petitioners with the Project Director, Rajasthan State Highways Authority, but that was not decided. Hence, the present petition was filed.After hearing the contentions, the Court noted that its earlier order had attained finality since it was not assailed, and despite that no compliance was made. The Court directed the Project Director to decide the application submitted by the petitioner within 3 months and stated that in case of failure, contempt proceedings would be initiated. It was further opined, “The respondents are directed to ensure that whatever amount has been collected by the Toll Plaza via concerned authority, the details of such collection be retained and submitted before the Project Director, who shall pass appropriate orders for use of the aforesaid collected amount by way of deputing a person for planting shade bearing tress in the public vicinity area.” The Court has sought an undertaking of the deputed person to be submitted before the court, to the effect that he shall take care of these plants till the time they grow and get in proper shape, and shall submit actual photographs of these trees at the end of every 6 months. Accordingly, the petition was disposed of. Title: Bhanwar Lal Bula & Anr. v State of Rajasthan & Ors. Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 317Click Here To Read/Download Order

Rajasthan High Court Directs Collections From 'Illegal' Toll Plaza Be Used For Tree Plantation

Nupur Agrawal

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Nupur Agrawal

Rajasthan High Court Directs Collections From 'Illegal' Toll Plaza Be Used For Tree Plantation

Nupur Agrawal

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Nupur Agrawal

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