The Madras High Court has ordered notice to the state government on a plea seeking action against an illegal toll gate and fee collection from vehicles entering the Old Courtallam falls in Tenkasi district.
Petition Details
A division bench comprising Justice N Sathish Kumar and Justice M Jothiraman sought the state's response while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by P Veerapandian from Sivaganga district. The petitioner alleged that a toll gate operated by the Ayiraperi panchayat has been set up approximately 1.5 kilometers before the falls, where toll fees are collected without issuing proper receipts.
RTI Findings
Upon filing an RTI application, the petitioner discovered that the road is maintained by the highways department, and no prior permission was obtained from the government for installing the toll gate or collecting fees. Additionally, the area where the falls are located falls under the jurisdiction of the forest department.
The petitioner argued that the establishment of the toll gate and fee collection by the panchayat is unauthorized and illegal. He urged the court to direct authorities to take action against the illegal installation.
The court adjourned the hearing to July 1.
