The Rajasthan High Court has directed the Project Director of the Rajasthan State Highways Authority to decide, within three months, an application seeking implementation of an earlier order to relocate a toll plaza allegedly operating in violation of the Rajasthan State Highways Fee Rules. The Court also ordered that details of toll collections be preserved and directed that the money be utilized for planting shade-bearing trees in public areas.
Background of the Case
The writ petition was filed by Bhanwar Lal Bula and Lal Mohammad, who sought implementation of the District Collector, Beawar's order dated February 27, 2026. According to the petitioners, Rule 8 of the Rajasthan State Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2015 does not permit a toll plaza to operate within two kilometres of a municipal area. They contended that despite the Collector's direction to shift the toll plaza five kilometres away from the municipal limits, the authorities had failed to act.
The petitioners also informed the Court that they had submitted an application to the Project Director on May 21, 2026, seeking implementation of the Collector's order, but no decision had been taken.
Court's Observations
Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand noted that the Collector's order directing relocation of the toll plaza had not been challenged before any competent forum and was stated to have attained finality.
Taking note of the pending application before the Project Director, the Court observed,
"The Project Director is directed to act upon the said application by deciding the same strictly in accordance with law... preferably within a period of three months."
The Court further clarified that if the application is not decided within the stipulated period, appropriate proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 may be initiated against the concerned officer.
Court's Directions on Toll Collection
Apart from directing an early decision on the pending application, the Court instructed the respondents to retain complete details of the toll amount already collected and place them before the Project Director.
The Court further directed that appropriate orders be passed for utilizing the collected amount by deputing a person to plant shade-bearing trees in public areas within 15 days. Explaining the purpose of the direction, the Court observed that planting trees serves the larger public interest and would provide long-term environmental benefits to future generations.
Decision
Disposing of the writ petition, the Rajasthan High Court directed the Project Director to decide the petitioners' application within three months after giving all concerned parties an opportunity of hearing.
It also directed preservation of toll collection records and their use for tree plantation in public areas, while warning that failure to comply with the timeline could invite contempt proceedings.
Case Details
Case Title: Bhanwar Lal Bula & Another v. State of Rajasthan & Others
Case Number: S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 12950/2026
Judge: Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand
Decision Date: 03 August 2026
