Advocates Appeared:
For the Petitioner: Mr. Rajesh Joshi, Sr. Adv., Assisted By Mr. Rishi Soni, Ms. Kamini Joshi
For the Respondent: Mr. Mahaveer Bishnoi, Aag, Dr. Sachin Acharya, Sr. Adv. Assisted By Mr. Chayan Bothra, Mr. Deepak Chandak, Aaag, Mr. Ankur Mathur, Mr. Rajat Dave

Key Points from the Judgment

• Parties Involved: Petitioner is Himmat Singh Gehlot. Respondents include State of Rajasthan (Chief Secretary, Home Department, Mines and Geology, Legal Metrology), Director of Mines and Geology, Legal Metrology Department Jodhpur, District Collector Jodhpur, Commissioner of Police Jodhpur, Jodhpur Development Authority, NHAI Regional Officer and Project Director. (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) (!)

• Counsel: For petitioner: Mr. Rajesh Joshi (Sr. Adv.) assisted by Mr. Rishi Soni & Ms. Kamini Joshi. For respondents: Mr. Mahaveer Bishnoi (AAG), Dr. Sachin Acharya (Sr. Adv.) assisted by Mr. Chayan Bothra, Mr. Deepak Chandak (AAAG), Mr. Ankur Mathur, Mr. Rajat Dave. (!)

• Recall of Previous Order: Court recalls order dated 22.01.2026 noting communications from PWD, JDA, NHAI, Police, and a fatal accident near the Dharmkanta, expressing concern over breaches in highway restricted zones affecting road safety. (!)

• Extension Granted: Application for relocation of Dharmkanta granted 30 days additional time; compliance date modified to 06.03.2026 for voluntary removal/relocation. (!)

• Wider Issue Identified: Encroachments within ROW of National Highways across Rajasthan districts pose threat to life and safety, not limited to the specific Dharmkanta. (!)

• Highway Demarcations Explained: Technical demarcations include centreline, road land boundary (about 40m from centreline, overall 80m), building line, and control line (about 75m from centreline, overall 150m). ROW is operational corridor including carriageway, shoulders, etc., for safety, visibility, and future use. (!) (!) (!)

• Legal Effect of Demarcations: Occupation within ROW/road land boundary impermissible; no construction within building line; regulated construction only within control line with permission. (!)

• Constitutional Obligation: Protection of life under Article 21 requires safe movement on highways; occupations impairing sight distance, access, or traffic are constitutional wrongs. (!)

• Road Safety Data: Judicial notice of 2023 data: 4,80,583 accidents, 1,72,890 fatalities; 30% fatalities on National Highways (2% of road length); high speeds and unregulated access contribute; economic burden ~3% GDP. (!) (!) (!)

• Black Spots and Audits: Over 8,500 black spots identified nationally; need for audits, GIS mapping; instant case illustrates how encroachments create black spots. (!)

• Encroachment Data in Rajasthan: 103 religious, 881 residential, 1,232 commercial encroachments (hotels, dhabas) within ROW across districts. (!)

• IRC Norms: Reference to Table-2 on building/control lines for rural/urban areas. (!) (!) (!)

• Systemic Issues: Administrative fragmentation leads to permissions/licences without highway norm checks, creating hazards; no estoppel against statute/public safety. (!) (!) (!)

• Religious Structures: No immunity; must be removed if in ROW. (!)

• Directions for Removal: All encroachments in ROW (103 religious, 881 residential, 1,232 commercial) to be removed/relocated within 2 months by Respondents 1-3 with District Collector/Police assistance; strict legal process with demarcation, notice, hearing. (!) (!) (!) (!)

• Status Report: State to file district-wise report within 2 months on encroachments in ROW/control line of National/State Highways, action taken, rules under Motor Vehicles Act Sections 138(1A)/210D, supported by GIS/photographs. (!) (!)

• Legal Assistance: Respondents may seek help from Mr. Deepak Chandak (AAAG). (!)

• Structured Directions: | Category | Key Directives | |----------|----------------| | Declaration | Occupations in ROW/road land boundary per se illegal, no regularisation. (!) (!) | | Supervision | District Highway Safety Task Force within 7 days (District Admin, Police, NHAI, PWD, local bodies); minutes maintained. (!) (!) (!) | | Demarcation | With videography, GPS, GIS; Encroachment Register with photos/geo-coordinates; prioritise black spots. (!) (!) (!) (!) | | Regulatory | No new/renewed permissions without NHAI/PWD clearance; review existing within 15 days; install markers/boards post-removal; police protection/prevention. (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) | | Accountability | Officer responsibilities in report; compliance affidavits; timeline for rules; periodic audits. (!) (!) (!) (!) (!) |

• Next Hearing: Matter listed on 10.03.2026 for compliance monitoring. (!)

• Judges: Hon’ble Dr. Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sandeep Shah. (!)