The Bombay High Court has rejected a petition challenging the mandatory use of FASTag at national highway toll plazas, affirming the policy as a necessary step toward efficient and seamless travel.
The petitioner sought to overturn directives issued by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), which impose double toll fees on vehicles without FASTags. However, the court ruled that such measures fall within the domain of policy decisions and do not warrant judicial interference unless they are arbitrary or violate fundamental rights.
The bench also dismissed concerns that the system would disproportionately impact those unfamiliar with technology, noting that mobile phone usage has become widespread, even among individuals who may not be technologically proficient.
The court emphasized that the double toll charge is not a penalty but an incentive to transition to a digital toll collection system aimed at reducing congestion and fuel consumption. Given that the FASTag policy had been carefully planned and implemented in phases, the court found no grounds to strike it down.
With this ruling, the mandatory use of FASTag remains firmly in place, reinforcing the government’s push for a modernized toll collection system.