A small argument over a FASTag malfunction turned into a massive financial and legal disaster for a toll plaza operator in Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh. The incident at Bara Toll Plaza on the Lucknow–Sultanpur Highway shows how one wrong move can lost crores.
The trouble began when Ratnesh Shukla, a High Court lawyer, tried to cross the toll plaza. His FASTag failed to scan properly. As per rules, he offered to pay the normal toll amount in cash. However, toll staff allegedly demanded double the toll fee, which led to an argument.
Instead of resolving the issue professionally, the situation reportedly took a violent turn. Toll workers are accused of assaulting the lawyer and forcing him to apologize. The incident quickly spread among the legal community and triggered strong reactions.
Soon after, hundreds of lawyers gathered at the toll plaza, demanding strict action against those involved. The pressure reached authorities, and the matter escalated beyond a local dispute.
Taking serious note of the incident, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) imposed strict penalties on the toll operator, M/s Skylark Infra Engineering Pvt. Ltd. The company’s toll collection contract was immediately terminated, and its ₹5.5 crore security deposit was forfeited. In addition, the firm was blacklisted for one year, making it ineligible for future NHAI projects during that period.
Police have arrested five toll workers and one manager in connection with the assault. Adding to the company’s troubles, the local bar association announced that no lawyer would defend the accused in court, further tightening the legal noose.
This incident highlights how misconduct, poor staff behavior, and misuse of authority can lead to severe consequences—financially and legally—especially when the law itself is on the other side.
