K'taka HC asks Centre to give toll exemption for farmers

Bengaluru: The High Court has instructed the central government to review the exemption of toll-fee payments by farmers while transporting agricultural goods who are affected by the Covid-19 and Lockdown.

Justice Abhay Shreeniwas Oka and Justice B.V.Nagarathna were hearing a public interest petition on the exception of toll charges for farmers.

During the hearing, advocates for the National Highway Authority informed the jury about the legal provisions for toll fee exemption.

In response to this, the jury pointed out that the farmers are already facing hardships as a result of the lockdown. Moreover, their products are not getting the right price. It is like selling the product for free.

The Jury said that if there is an exemption for farmers from the payment of toll fees for a specified period, it would facilitate the smooth transportation of agricultural products.

They directed the Centre to confirm their decision on the exemption for farmers, horticulture and dairy products in the next hearing.