Rastriya Swatantra Party Lawmaker Vows to Stop Illegal Toll Collection on Highways in Her Constituency

Kathmandu. Newly elected House of Representatives member from the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), Ashika Tamang, has stated that the collection of 'patke kar' (road toll) or any similar illegal levies on highways falling within her constituency will never be acceptable. Tamang, the MP for Dhading Constituency No. 1, made this statement in a post on the social media platform Facebook on Tuesday.

She has also directed all concerned local levels and relevant bodies to immediately stop such activities.

She stated, "The Supreme Court issued a historic interim order on Magh 28, 2082, stating that local levels cannot collect taxes or road usage fees on National Highways, Auxiliary Highways, and Postal Highways. According to this order, collecting money from vehicles by placing barricades, gates, or tables on the highway is illegal, unconstitutional, and a direct violation of the court's order."

She further warned that if the directive and the Supreme Court's order are found to be disobeyed, strict legal proceedings regarding contempt of court will be initiated against the concerned Mayor or Rural Municipality Chairman.

She mentioned that Article 236 of the Constitution of Nepal prohibits imposing any kind of obstruction or tax on the transportation of goods from one place to another.

She also stated that stopping vehicles on the highway to collect money is a serious infringement upon the rights of the people.

"We have been elected to establish the rule of law and provide relief to the people. The rule of law will prevail in Dhading-1 now, not the arbitrary or illegal practices of any individual. If such tax collection is still happening or barricades are placed in your area, please inform me immediately with evidence," she said.

She also stated that they have come to establish good governance and end corruption.