Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, was enacted to provide for the control of land within the National Highways, right of way and traffic moving on the National Highways and also for removal of unauthorized occupation thereon. This act aims to regulate land use and traffic on national highways, ensuring safety and preventing encroachments.
Act Background and Ministry:
The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, was enacted to provide for control of land within the National Highways, right of way and traffic moving on the National Highways and also for removal of unauthorized occupation thereon. This act aims to regulate land use and traffic on national highways, ensuring safety and preventing encroachments. While the Act does not specify a particular ministry, it falls under the purview of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India.
Enactment date, number of chapters, number of sections:
The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, was enacted on January 14, 2003. The Act is structured into 8 chapters and 50 sections. These sections cover various aspects of national highway control, including definitions, highway administration, prevention of unauthorized occupation, control of access, regulation of traffic, and miscellaneous provisions.
Act Governed By:
The Act is primarily governed by the provisions outlined within its sections. It establishes the framework for the control of land within national highway limits, the regulation of traffic, and the prevention of unauthorized occupation. The Act also outlines the powers of the Central Government and Highway Administrations in implementing its provisions.
On Whom it is applicable:
The Control of National Highways (Land and Traffic) Act, 2002, is applicable to all national highways, the Highway Administrations established under the Act, and to all persons using or occupying land within the limits of national highways.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act prescribes penalties for various violations, including:
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Imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both for unauthorized occupation of highway land.
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A fine of not less than five hundred rupees per square meter of the unlawfully occupied land and which may be extended to five thousand rupees per square meter of the unlawfully occupied land and also imprisonment.
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Fines for various offenses related to traffic violations and obstruction of highways.
Important Pointers:
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The Act defines “highway land,” “unauthorized occupation,” and other key terms.
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It establishes Highway Administrations to manage and control national highways.
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The Act empowers the Central Government to remove or alter obstructions to aids to navigation.
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It outlines the procedures for preventing and removing unauthorized occupation of highway land.
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The Act regulates access to national highways and provides for the issuance of permits.
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It empowers the Highway Administration to regulate traffic and prevent dangerous activities on highways.
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The Act also includes provisions for the control of construction on highway land.
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It emphasizes the importance of safety and preventing encroachments on national highways.
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The Act empowers the Central Government to make rules to implement the provisions of the Act.
Act Copy: