Supreme Court Upholds Toll-Free DND Flyway: A Victory for Commuters
The Supreme Court of India has delivered a landmark ruling in favor of commuters using the Delhi-Noida Direct (DND) flyway, upholding a previous Allahabad High Court order that declared toll collection on the flyway illegal. This decision ends years of legal battles and brings an end to toll payments for millions of daily commuters.
Unjust Enrichment and Public Defrauding
The apex court’s judgment centered on the argument that the Noida Toll Bridge Corporation Limited (NTBCL), a private firm contracted to collect tolls, had already recouped its project costs. Allowing continued toll collection would constitute unjust enrichment for NTBCL, defrauding the public of substantial funds, the court reasoned. This decision highlights a crucial point about public infrastructure projects and ensuring transparency in contracts.
Noida Authority’s Delegation of Power
The court’s decision also explicitly stated that the Noida Authority lacked the authority to delegate toll collection to a private entity like NTBCL. This finding emphasizes the importance of clear legal frameworks governing the management and operation of public infrastructure projects and preventing potential conflicts of interest.
Relief for Millions of Commuters
The Allahabad High Court’s 2016 order, now upheld by the Supreme Court, has provided significant relief to millions of commuters who regularly utilize the DND flyway. The toll-free access translates to significant cost savings for individuals and businesses alike, reducing the overall financial burden on commuters.
Impact on Future Infrastructure Projects
This Supreme Court decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for future infrastructure projects across India. It sets a strong precedent for greater transparency and accountability in public-private partnerships, ensuring that public funds are used effectively and that private entities do not unjustly profit at the expense of the public.
The Significance of the Ruling
The Supreme Court’s affirmation of the Allahabad High Court’s order is a significant victory for the principle of fair practices in infrastructure development. The ruling protects the rights of commuters and underscores the need for careful scrutiny of public-private partnerships to avoid situations where private entities exploit the public for private gain. The ruling might also prompt a review of other similar projects and contracts across the country, leading to a more equitable distribution of costs and benefits for infrastructure projects.
