India's Supreme Court bars eateries from National Highway right of way
Highway concessionaires must remove existing eateries from right of way immediately
Change
India's Supreme Court prohibited construction and operation of dhabas and eateries on National Highway right of way and ordered clearance of existing structures.
Why it matters
National Highway right of way must remain free of commercial use under the order dated 13 April. Existing roadside structures within the right of way are non-compliant and subject to removal by highway authorities.
Implications
- — Highway concessionaires and maintenance contractors must immediately remove all eateries and commercial structures within National Highway right of way — continued presence breaches the Supreme Court order.
- — Food outlet operators located within National Highway right of way must cease operations immediately — sites face forced removal and closure.
Who is affected
- — Highway concessionaires and maintenance contractors
- — Food outlet operators located within National Highway right of way
What to watch
- — State highway authorities' enforcement actions and timelines for removal
- — Implementation across existing highway concession agreements