The order, passed by the single bench of Justice Vishal Mishra, comes as a major setback to the state's earlier decision to dismantle these interstate check posts.

The High Court was hearing a contempt petition filed by Rajneesh Tripathi, who alleged that the state government had wilfully disobeyed its prior undertakings. Previously, in a Public Interest Litigation (W.P. No. 12203/2006) regarding the menace of overloading, the State had assured the court of a 'working plan' that included the continuous operation of check posts to intercept overloaded vehicles at the borders.

However, on June 30, 2024, the state authorities took a 'somersault' and issued orders to close all interstate check posts from July 1, 2024. Petitioner's advocates, Jubin Prasad and Bhanu Prakash, argued that this move led to a surge in road accidents and environmental damage, directly violating the court's stay order from September 2018.

Justice Mishra dismissed the State's defence that 'alternative modes' like mobile units (Check points) were sufficient. The Court noted that failure to follow an undertaking given to a Division Bench constitutes wilful disobedience.

'The reply submitted by the Authorities is not satisfactory... this amounts to disobedience of the order passed by this Court and the undertaking given by respondents,' the bench observed.

The HC has granted the state 30 days from the receipt of the certified order to restore the closed posts. Failure to comply within this timeframe grants the petitioner the liberty to revive contempt proceedings against the concerned officials. While the state remains free to use other surveillance methods, the court emphasised that the original commitment to physical check posts must be

honoured to protect public property and lives.