A Division Bench comprising Justice Rajan Roy and Justice Manjive Shukla directed the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the State Transport Department to submit point-wise replies to the allegations made in the petition.
According to the PIL, the expressway, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 4,700 crore, witnessed road damage and the appearance of potholes at numerous locations shortly after becoming operational. The petitioner alleged large-scale irregularities and corruption in the construction process and sought an independent investigation into the matter.
The petition requested that the probe be conducted either by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or under the supervision of a retired judge of the Supreme Court or a High Court to ensure impartiality and transparency.
In addition to concerns over construction quality, the PIL has challenged the toll rates being charged on the expressway, describing them as excessive and seeking their downward revision. The petitioner contends that both the condition of the road and the toll charges warrant an independent examination.
The High Court has directed the concerned authorities to file detailed responses addressing each allegation and demand raised in the petition. The matter will be considered further after the replies are submitted.
