NHAI Faces Consumer Court Notice After FASTag Deducts Toll from Car Parked at Home in Kota

Kota, February 14, 2026: In an unusual digital-age dispute, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has been issued a notice by the Kota Consumer Court after a FASTag toll was deducted from a car that was parked outside its owner’s home. The case has raised questions about accountability in automated toll collection systems.

The complainant, Ashok Kumar Nagar of Arlia Arandkheda, Ladpura, noticed that two separate tolls of ₹30 each were deducted from his account despite his car remaining stationary at home. The first deduction occurred on September 26 at the Karadia Toll Plaza, followed by another on October 5 at the Jalim Pura Toll Plaza, totaling ₹60. Shocked by the “invisible journey,” Kumar approached NHAI officials, but received no satisfactory response.

Legal Action and Compensation Claim

After his complaints were ignored, Kumar sent a legal notice on October 15, which the authorities reportedly disregarded. He then filed a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act through advocates Sujeet Swami and Naresh Swami at the District Consumer Commission, Kota.

In addition to seeking a refund of the ₹60, Kumar has demanded ₹1.20 lakh in compensation for mental agony, economic loss, and legal expenses. His lawyer, Sujeet Swami, emphasized that the case is not merely about ₹60, but a matter of transparency and accountability in digital payment systems. “If a car parked at home can be charged toll, it indicates potential exploitation for millions of consumers across the country,” he said.

Court Proceedings

The Kota Consumer Court has issued notices to the NHAI Kota unit, the General Manager in Jaipur, and the concerned toll plazas. The next hearing is scheduled for March 23, 2026. The outcome of this case could set a precedent for consumer rights in India’s fast-evolving digital payment landscape.