Mon Jan 12 20:31:58 UTC 2026: # Highway Toll Dispute Intensifies in Kasaragod, India
The Story:
Agitation against toll collection at the Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza in Kasaragod, India, has escalated. Manjeswaram MLA K.M. Ashraf initiated an indefinite strike on Tuesday, January 13, 2025, (Note: There is a date error, the strike begins in the past. It should be January 13, 2026) demanding an immediate halt to toll collection, claiming violations of national highway norms. The police arrested Mr. Ashraf and several other protestors on Monday, January 12, 2026, after they blocked the national highway at the Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza.
Key Points:
- The protest is against the toll collection at the Kumbala-Arikkady toll plaza.
- Manjeswaram MLA K.M. Ashraf is leading the protest with an indefinite strike.
- Protestors allege that the distance between the Talapady toll plaza and the Arikkady toll plaza is only 22 km, violating the mandatory minimum distance of 60 km.
- The matter is pending before the Kerala High Court.
- K.M. Ashraf warns of contempt of court proceedings against officials for continuing toll collection while the case is sub judice.
- The protest will continue until the toll collection is completely withdrawn.
Key Takeaways:
- Local communities are increasingly challenging infrastructure projects and associated fees when perceived as unfair or in violation of regulations.
- Legal recourse is a primary strategy for challenging government actions, but authorities are not always responsive to ongoing litigation.
- Public protests and potential contempt of court charges indicate growing tension between citizens, elected officials, and government entities regarding infrastructure development and enforcement.
First Piper 