J. Chelameswar, C.J.

1. A batch of writ petitions and writ appeals are pending for quite some time in this Court. The earliest of the batch, as can be traced out so far, is WP (C) No. 2275/2004. The said batch and connected appeals, as a matter of fact, are heard in part. Broadly speaking, the complaint in those cases is that a truck carrying cargo in the State of Meghalaya is being compelled to pay substantial amounts at innumerable points in the State of Meghalaya to various persons. Broadly such persons fall under four categories - (1) persons operating weighbridges on various terms and conditions stipulated by the State of Meghalaya; (2) the local tribal chiefs known as Syiems and Sardars; (3 the authorities purportedly implementing the provisions of the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and (4) the police officers of the State of Meghalaya.

2. It can be mentioned here that Sylems and Sardars, the local tribal chiefs, who are parties respondents to the various writ petitions in the above mentioned batch do admit the establishment of such toll gates and collection of monies from the cargo carrying vehicles. They assert that they have the customary rights