Advocates demand exemption from paying toll

Questioning the need to pay highway toll for reaching courts under the jurisdiction of Bengaluru, advocates have demanded that the Union government allow them free entry. They have threatened legal action if the demand is not met.

Advocates Association president A P Ranganath said their vehicles should be “exempted from paying toll".

“The association will bring pressure on the prime minister and the road transport and highways minister. We will wait for 15 days and file a public interest litigation in the (Karnataka) high court,” he said.

Stating that advocates in the city have to frequently pass through toll gates to reach courts in Devanahalli and Nelamangala, he said an exemption is required, considering that they do not use the entire road.

“Why should we pay toll for courts in the jurisdiction of Bengaluru urban and rural districts? Elsewhere in the state, our colleagues face similar issues. If locals can be exempted from paying toll, why not lawyers,” he asked.

The association urged the state government to set up special courts for deciding matters that are being dealt by revenue courts. “The revenue sector sees rampant corruption. Only special courts can put a check on it. We will meet the revenue minister to stress the importance of such a measure,” he said.