A public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Kerala High Court challenging the continued toll collection at the Paliyekkara Toll Plaza in Thrissur district on National Highway 544, despite severe traffic congestion caused by ongoing road construction.

The petition, filed by a Thrissur-based lawyer, argues that the heavy traffic congestion on the Mannuthy–Edappally stretch—particularly around the toll plaza—is largely due to the underpass projects currently being carried out by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).

The petitioner submitted that in view of the congestion, the District Collector of Thrissur (5th respondent) had initially issued an order (Exhibit P1) directing Guruvayoor Infrastructure Pvt. Ltd. (8th respondent) to temporarily halt toll collection. However, this directive was revoked the very next day through another order (Exhibit P2), allowing toll collection to resume.

Challenging the revocation order, the petitioner termed it arbitrary, illegal, and in violation of natural justice. The petition also alleges that the cancellation was made under political pressure and external influence, undermining administrative transparency and public interest.

During the admission hearing, the petitioner further contended that toll collection at the plaza does not comply with the NHAI Policy Guidelines for the Management of Toll Plazas, as outlined in Policy Circular No.17.5.82 dated May 24, 2021. In response, the NHAI and the 8th respondent argued that the said circular is not applicable and informed the court that they would file counter affidavits.

The matter is scheduled for further hearing on June 26.

The petition, titled O.J. Janeesh v. Union of India & Ors. [WP(PIL) No. 35 of 2025], has been filed through Advocates Sreelakshmi Sabu and P.K. Subhash.