Saturday, March 29, 2025
“Will You Put a Toll at Connaught Place Just to Raise Money?”: Why CJI Surya Kant Made the Sharp Remark
The Supreme Court has raised serious concerns over toll plazas at Delhi’s borders, linking them to traffic congestion and worsening air pollution in the national capital.
Delhi-NCR has been grappling with a severe air pollution crisis for years, especially during the winter months. On Wednesday, during a crucial hearing on the issue, the Supreme Court strongly questioned the logic behind continuing toll collection at Delhi’s borders, which often leads to massive traffic jams and increased vehicular emissions.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant, while hearing the matter, made a pointed observation that drew widespread attention. Addressing the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), he asked, “Are you against tolls? We are not. But you must find a way to ensure that no toll is collected till January 31. Tomorrow, will you put up a toll plaza at Connaught Place just because you need money?”
The remark was made in the context of toll plazas located at Delhi’s entry points, where long queues of vehicles frequently build up. The court noted that these traffic snarls significantly add to air pollution and discourage people from travelling due to fear of getting stuck for hours.
The Supreme Court suggested that the nine toll plazas at Delhi’s borders should either be temporarily shut down or relocated to ease congestion and reduce pollution levels. The bench described air pollution in Delhi as an “annual phenomenon” and stressed the need for practical and effective solutions rather than temporary or cosmetic measures.
However, the court refused to interfere with the Delhi government’s decision regarding the closure of schools for students from nursery to Class 5, noting that winter vacations were already underway and no further intervention was required at this stage.
According to reports, the CJI clarified that the court is not opposed to toll collection in principle. Instead, it wants authorities to explore mechanisms that do not worsen pollution or traffic conditions during a public health emergency. “We are not against tolls, but you have to find a way to ensure there is no toll collection till January 31,” he reiterated.
During the hearing, the Supreme Court also told the MCD that it would examine how much revenue is being generated from these toll plazas and compare it with the cost of maintaining highways and related infrastructure. The court was informed that a large number of vehicles remain stationary at these toll points, directly contributing to higher pollution levels.
The bench directed the MCD to take a decision within one week on whether the toll plazas can be temporarily closed to ensure smoother traffic flow and reduced vehicular pollution. It emphasized that merely drafting protocols is not enough; existing measures must be implemented effectively, as compliance is often weak.
“Let us think of workable and practical solutions,” the Chief Justice said, underlining that air pollution has become a recurring winter crisis. The court also directed the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) to revisit and strengthen its long-term strategies to tackle pollution in a more sustainable and effective manner.
The hearing reflects the judiciary’s growing impatience with repetitive pollution emergencies and highlights the urgent need for coordinated, ground-level action to protect public health in Delhi-NCR.
