Sambalpur Consumer Court Penalizes Toll Plaza Over Unauthorized Fastag Deduction

Consumer Court Penalizes Toll Plaza Over Unauthorized Fastag Deduction

A consumer court in Sambalpur district has taken strict action against a toll plaza situated on National Highway-53 at Barhagoda in Bargarh district. The court imposed a hefty fine on the plaza for alleged unauthorized deduction of fees from the Fastag accounts of two vehicles.

Unwarranted Fastag Deduction Leads to Legal Action

Upon hearing the grievances presented by the vehicle owners, the consumer court mandated the toll plaza to pay a substantial fine of Rs 25,000 to each of the affected parties. Additionally, an amount of Rs 5,000 for legal expenses was directed to be compensated to both vehicle owners.

Furthermore, the court ruled in favor of reimbursing the amount that had been wrongfully deducted from the Fastag accounts, adding a 12 percent interest to the reimbursement sum.

Discrepancies in Toll Collection Process

Reports indicated that the two vehicles in question did not traverse the toll plaza at Barhagoda. Instead, they veered off the National Highway before reaching the plaza, taking a left turn 200 meters earlier to connect with the State Highway leading to Tora.

Despite bypassing the toll plaza, charges were inexplicably deducted from their Fastag wallets, causing surprise and frustration to the vehicle owners. Prompted by this unwarranted deduction, both individuals approached the consumer court in Sambalpur and lodged separate complaints against the toll plaza.

Consistent Challenges Faced by Commuters

This incident is not an isolated one, as the improper deduction of funds from Fastag accounts along the State Highway, running parallel to the NH, has been an ongoing issue. Commuters have long voiced their dissatisfaction with this irregularity.

The recent verdict by the consumer court, penalizing the toll plaza for such actions, is anticipated to serve as a deterrent against such practices and safeguard the interests of commuters in the region.

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