Keyword(s):
Highway Encroachment, Highway, Highway Authority, Highway Boundaries,
Means of Access, Middle of Highway

GOVERNMENT OF MAHARASHTRA
LAW AND JUDICIARY DEPARTMENT
BOMBAY ACT No. LV OF 1955.
THE MAHARASHTRA HIGHWAYS ACT.
( As modified upto the 29th April, 2013 )
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2013
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*
THE MAHARASHTRA HIGHWAYS ACT. ————- CONTENTS
PREAMBLE. SECTIONS. CHAPTER I.
Preliminary.

  1. Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. Definitions.
    CHAPTER II.
    Declaration of Highways, Highway Authorities and their powers and
    functions.
  3. Declaration of roads, ways or lands as highways.
  4. Appointment of Highway Authorities.
  5. Powers and duties of Highway Authorities.
  6. Officers and servants of Highway Authority.
    CHAPTER III.
    Restriction of Ribbon Development.
  7. Power to fix boundary, building and control lines of Highways.
  8. Map to be prepared and maintained.
  9. Restrictions on buildings between highway boundary and building
    line and between building and control lines.
  10. Appeal.
  11. Exemptions for works in progress, etc.
  12. Setting back of buildings to building line or control line.
  13. Regulation or diversion of right of access to highway.
  14. Powers of Highways Authority and officers and servants appoined
    under section 6 in respect of surveys.
  15. Power to acquire land, etc.
  16. Power to enter or survey, etc.
  17. Hearing of objections.
  18. Declaration of acquisition.
  19. Powers to take possession.
    19A. Right to enter into land where land vested in State Government.
    19B. Determination of amount payable as compensation.
    19C. Deposit and payment of amount.
    1955 : Bom. LV] (i)
    H 166-1
    (ii) Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    SECTIONS. CHAPTER III—contd.
    19D. Land acquisition officer to have certain powers of civil court.
    19E. Land Acquisition Act, 1894 not to apply.
    CHAPTER IV.
    Prevention of unauthorized occupation of, and encroachment
    on, a highway and removal of encroachment.
  20. Lands forming part of highway deemed to be Government property.
  21. Prevention of unauthorized occupation of highway.
  22. Power to cancel permit.
  23. Prevention of encroachment.
  24. Appeal against notice served under sub-section (1) of section 23.
  25. Recovery of cost of removal of encroachment.
    CHAPTER V.
    Compensation.
  26. Doing minimum damage in certain cases and compensation.
  27. Determination of amount of compensation by agreement.
  28. Determination of amount of compensation in dafault of agreement.
  29. No compensation if similar restrictions in force under any other law
    or if compensation already received.
  30. Compensation for refusal of permission to build not to exceed difference
    between its value when it was refused and when it would have been
    granted.
  31. Compensation for diversion of access not to exceed cost of alternative
    access.
  32. Compensation for cutting of standing crops, trees, etc.
  33. No compensation for unauthorized erections.
  34. NO compensation for removal of encroachment.
  35. Reference against award of Highway Authority or authorized officer
    under section 28.
  36. Procedure and powers of the authorities empowered to decide references
    under sections 35 and 44.
  37. Commissioner of Police or District Superintendent of Police to enforce
    surrender or remove any encroachment.
  38. Decisions of authorities under section 35 and 44 to be enforeced as
    decrees of civil court.
  39. Payment of compensation awarded.
  40. Payment by adjustment.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act (iii)
    SECTIONS. CHAPTER VI.
    Levy of Betterment Charges.
  41. Notice to owners and persons interested.
  42. Inquiry and order.
  43. Increase in value and betterment charges.
  44. Reference against order of authorised officer under section 42.
  45. Finality of order fixing betterment charges and of decision on reference.
  46. Betterment charges to be first charged on land next to land revenue.
  47. Payment of betterment charges.
  48. Relinquishment of or exchange of land in lieu of payment of betterment
    charges.
    CHAPTER VII.
    Supplemental provisions to secure safety of traffic and prevention of
    damage to highways.
  49. Prevention of danger arising from obstruction of view, etc., of persons
    using any highway.
  50. Highway Authority to regulate trafic when highway declared unsafe.
  51. Prohibition of use of heavy vehicle on certain highways.
  52. Procedure to be followed when Highway Authority desires permanently
    to close any highway.
  53. Consent of Highway Authority required to do certain acts on highway.
  54. Prevention and rectification of damaged highway.
    CHAPTER VIII.
    Penalties.
  55. Disobedience of orders, instructions and refusal to give information, etc.
  56. Contravention of restrictions relating to access or erecting any
    building etc.
  57. Unauthorized occupation of highway.
  58. Causing damage to highways.
  59. General provision for punishment of offences.
  60. Power to compound offences.
    CHAPTER IX.
    Miscellaneous.
  61. Powers and duties of police.
  62. Duties of village officials.
  63. Power to utilise highway for other than road purposes.
    (iv) Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    SECTIONS. CHAPTER IX—contd.
  64. Summary eviction.
  65. Inquiries to be held summarily.
  66. Registration of map made under section 8 not required.
  67. Certain persons to be public servants.
  68. Bar of jurisdiction.
  69. Protection of persons acting in good faith and limitation of suit or
    prosecution.
  70. Service of notices and bills.
  71. Power to make rules.
  72. Savings.
  73. Provisions of this Act or rules to prevail over inconsistent provisions
    in other laws.
  74. Building and control lines along national highways and levy of betterment
    charges.
  75. Repeal and saving.
    (SCHEDULE) Deleted.
    BOMBAY ACT No. LV OF 1955 1 [THE MAHARASHTRA HIGHWAY ACT]†
    [This Act received the assent of the President on the 13th December 1955; assent
    was first published in the “Bombay Government Gazette”, in Part IV, Extraordinary,
    on the 22nd December 1955.]
    [22nd December 1995]
    Adapted and modified by the Bombay Adaptation of Laws (State and Concurrent
    Subjects) Order, 1956.
    Adapted and modified by the Maharashtra Adaptation of Laws (State and Concurrent Subjects) Order, 1960.
    Amended by Mah. 42 of 1965.
    Amended by Mah. 24 of 1967.
    Amended by Mah. 37 of 1999 (1-1-2000)*
    Amended by Mah. 24 of 2012 (22-8-2012)*
    An Act to provide for the restriction of ribbon development along highways,
    for the prevention and removal of encroachment thereon, for the construction,
    maintenance and development of highways, for the levy of betterment chages
    and for certain other matters.
    WHEREAS it is expedient to provide for the restriction of ribbon development
    along highways, for the prevention and removal of encroachment thereon, for the
    construction, maintenance and development of highways, for the levy of betterment
    charges and for certain other matters; It is hereby enacted in the Sixth Year of the
    Republic of India as follows :—
    CHAPTER I.
    Preliminary. 1. (1) This Act may be called 2[the Maharashtra Highways Act]. 3[(2) It extends to the whole of the State of Maharashtra.]
    (3)
    4[This section shall be in force in the whole State.] The State Government
    may, by notification in the Official Gazette, direct that all or any of the remaining
    provisions of this Act shall come into force in such area and on such date** as may
    be specified in the notification :
    Provided that the State Government may, by notification issued in like manner
    exclude any road or way or class of roads or ways situate in such area from the
    operation of all or any of the provisions of this Act.
  76. In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,—
    (a) “animal” means any domestic or captive animal;
    (b) “building” includes any erection of whatsoever material and in whatsoever
    manner constructed (including a farm building for agricultural purposes) and also
    includes plinths, doorsteps, walls (including compound walls and fences) and the
    like ;
    Short title,
    extent and
    commence- ment.
    Definitions.
    1 For Statement of Objects and Reasons, see Bombay Government Gazette, 1954, Part V, Page 330.
    † The Bombay Highways Act, 1955, and the rules made thereunder as in force in the Bombay
    area of the State of Maharashtra, are hereby extended to the rest of that State (See section 2 of Mah.42
    of 1965).
  77. The short title was amended for “the Bombay Highways Act, 1955” by Mah. 24 of 2012,
    Schedule, entry 58, w.e.f. 1-5-1960.
    3 Sub-section (2) was substituted for the original by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 3(a).
    4 These words were substituted for the words “This section shall come into force at once”, ibid., s. 3(b). * This indicates the date of commencement.
    ** 8th July 1960, sections 2 to 74 (both inclusive) and the Schedule for the Bombay Suburban
    District and the Thana District vide G. N., B. & C. D. No. BHA. 3760-C(1), dated the 7th July 1960.
    ** 11th May 1962, sections 2 to 74 (both inclusive) and the Schedule for the City of Bombay,
    vide G. N., B. & C. D., No. BHA. 3761/534-C-(II) dated the 3rd May 1962.
    ** 3rd September 1964, sections 2 to 74 (both inclusive) and the Schedule for the Kolaba District,
    vide G. N., B. & C. D., No. BHA. 3763/52902-C(3) dated the 28th August 1964.
    ** 28th April 1967, vide G. N., B. & C. D., No. BHA. 3765/1163 48-C-(1) dated 19th April 1967.
    2 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    1 These words were subsituted for the words “road or way over which the public have a right
    of way or are granted access and” by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 4.
    (c) “building line” means a line on either side of any highway or part of a
    highway fixed in respect of such highway or part by a notification under subsection (1) of section 7 ;
    (d) “cantonment” means a contonment established under the Cantonments Act,
    1924 ;
    (e) “control line” means a line on either side of highway or part of a highway
    beyond the building line fixed in respect of such highway or part by a notification
    under sub-section (1) of section 7 ;
    (f) “encroachment” means any unauthorised occupation of any highway on part
    thereof, and includes an unauthorised—
    (i) erection of a building or any other structure, balconises, porches,
    projections on or over or overhanging the highway ;
    (ii) occupation of a highway beyond the prescribed period, if any, for
    stacking building materials or goods of any other description, for exhibiting
    articles for sale, for erecting poles, ownings, tents, pandals, hoardings and
    other similar erections of for parking vehicles or stabling animals or for any
    other purpose ; and
    (iii) excavations or dumps of any sort made or extended on any highway
    or underneath such highway ;
    (g) “to erect” with its grammatical variations in relation to a building means
    to construct, reconstruct, extend or alter structurally a building ;
    (h) “excavation” in relation to any piece of land does not include any workings
    which do not piece the surface of that piece of land; but includes wells and tanks ;
    (i) “highway” means any 1[road, way or land] which is declared to be a
    highway under section 3. The expression includes,—
    (i) any land acquired or demarcated with a view to construct a highway
    along it ;
    (ii) the slopes, berms, borrow-pits, foot-paths, pavements and side, catch
    and boundary drains attached to such road or way ;
    (iii) all bridges, culverts, causeways, carriageways and other structures built
    on or across such road or way ; and
    (iv) the trees, fences, posts, boundary, furlong and milestones, and other
    highway accessories and materials and material stacked on the road or way ;
    (j) “Highway Authority” means the auithority appointed as such or to which
    the functions of such authority are entrusted under section 4;
    (k) “highway boundaries” means the boundaries of a highway fixed in respect
    of such highway by a notification under sub-section (1) of section 7 ;
    (l) “means of access” includes any means of access, whether private or public,
    for vehicles or for foot passengers and includes any street ;
    (m) “middle of highway” means the point half-way between the highway
    boundaries ;
    (n) “occupier” includes,—
    (a) any person who for the time being is paying or is liable to pay to the
    owner rent or any portion of the rent of the premises in respect of which such
    rent is paid or is payable ;
    (b) an owner living in or otherwise using his premises ;
    II of
    1924.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 3
    IX of
    1890.
    (c) a rent-free tenant ;
    (d) a licensee in occupation of any premises ; and
    (e) any person who is liable to pay to the owner damages for the use and
    occupation of any premises ;
    (o) “owner” means,—
    (a) when used with reference to any premises, the person who receives the
    rent of the said premises or who would be entitled to receive the rent thereof
    if the premises were let and includes,—
    (i) an agent or trustee who receives such rent on account of the owner ;
    (ii) an agent or trustee who receives the rent of, or is entrusted with, or
    concerned for, any premises devoted to religious or charitable purposes ;
    (iii) a receiver, sequestrator or manager appointed by any court of
    competent jurisdiction ; and
    (iv) a mortgagee-in-possession ;
    (b) when used with reference to an institution or a body corporate, the
    manager of such institution or body corporate ;
    (p) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act ;
    (q) “railway administration” has the same meaning as in the Indian Railway
    Act, 1890 ;
    (r) “vehicle” includes a barrow, sledge, plough, drag and a wheeled conveyance
    of any description capable of being used on a highway ;
    (s) the expressions “land”, “persons interested” and “persons entitled to act”
    used in this Act shall have the same meaning as the said expressions have in the
    Land Acquisition Act, 1894.
    CHAPTER II.
    Declaration of Highways, Highway Authorities and their powers and
    functions.
  78. The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, declare
    any road, way or land to be a highway and classify it as—
    (i) a State highway (Special),
    (ii) a State highway,
    (iii) a major district road,
    (iv) other district road, or
    (v) a village road.
  79. The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint
    for the purpose of this Act or any of its provisions any person or any authority to
    be a Highway Authority for all the highways 1[in the State] or, in parts 2[thereof]
    or for any particular highway or highways 3[therein], specified in the notification.
    1 These words were subsituted for the words “in the Bombay area of the State of Maharashtra”
    by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 5.
    2 This word was substituted for the words “of the State” by the Bombay Adaptation of Laws (State
    and Concurrent Subjects) Order, 1956.
    3 This word was substituted for the words “in the Bombay area of the State of Maharashtra” by
    Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 5.
    Declaration
    of roads,
    ways or
    lands as
    highways.
    I of
    1894.
    Appointment
    of Highway
    Authorities.
    4 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
  80. Subject to such conditions as may be specified in the notification appointing a
    Highway Authority and subject to the general or special orders of the State Government,
    a Highway Authority shall exercise powers and discharge duties in accordance with the
    provisions of this Act for the restriction of ribbon development along highways, for the
    prevention and removal of encroachments and for all matters necessary and incidental
    to any or all of the above subjects. Also subject to the approval of the State Government
    and to such general or special orders which the State Government may make in this
    behalf, it shall be lawful to a Highway Authority to undertake the construction,
    maintenance, development or improvment of highways.
  81. For the prupose of enabling a Highway Authority to exercise the powers conferred
    and to discharge the duties imposed upon it by or under the provisions of this Act, the
    State Government may appoint such officers and servants as it deem necessary to work
    under such Authority.
    CHAPTER III.
    Restriction of Ribbon Development.
  82. 1[(1) In any area in which the provisions of this Act have been brought into force,
    and,
    (i) where either any road, way or land has been declared to be a highway under
    section 3 or the construction or development of a highway is undertaken or proposed
    to be undertaken, and
    (ii) the State Government considers it necessary to fix, as respects such highway,
    the highway boundary, the building line or control line,
    the State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, fix, as respects such
    highway, the highway boundary, the building line and the control line :
    Provided that, having regard to the situation or the requirements of a highway or
    the condition of the local area through which a highway passes, it shall be lawful for
    the State Government to fix different building or control lines in respect of any
    highway, or portions thereof].
    (2) Not less than sixty days before issuing a notification under sub-section (1) the
    State Government shall cause to be published in the Official Gazette, and in the
    prescribed manner in the village and at the headquarters of the 2[taluka, tahsil or mahal]
    of the district in which the highway is situate a notification stating that it propose to
    issue a notification in terms of sub-section (1), and specifying therein all the lands
    situated between the highway boundary and the control line proposed to be fixed under
    such notification and in the case of new works, also lands benefiting by the construction
    or development of the highway, as the case may be, together with a notice requiring
    all persons affected by such notification, who wish to make any objections or suggestions
    with respect to the issue of such a notification to submit their objections or suggestions
    in writing to the Highway Authority or appear before such authority, within two
    months of the publication of the notification in the Official Gazette, or within one
    month from the date of the publication of the notification in the village, whichever
    period expires later.
    (3) The Highway Authority shall, after all such objections or suggestions have been
    considered or heard, as the case may be, and after such further inquiry, if any as it
    thinks necessary, forward to the State Government a copy of the record of its proceedings
    held by it together with a report setting forth its recommendations on the objections or
    suggestions.
    1 Sub-section (1) was substituted for the original by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 6(1).
    2 These words were substituted for the words “taluka or mahal”, ibid, s. 6(2).
    Duties of
    Highway
    Authorities.
    Officers and
    servants of
    Highway
    Authority.
    Power to fix
    boundary,
    building and
    control lines
    of highways.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 5
    (4) If, before the expiration of the time allowed by sub-section (2) for the filing
    or hearing of objections or suggestions, no objections or suggestion has been made,
    the State Government shall proceed at once to issue the notification under subsection (1). If, any such objection or suggestions has been made, the State Government
    shall consider the record and the report referred to in sub-section (3) and may
    either—
    (a) abandon the proposal to issue the notification under sub-section (1), or
    (b) issue the notification under sub-section (1) with such modification, if any,
    as it thinks fit.
    (5) In considering the objections or suggestions, the decision of the State
    Government on the question, of issuing the notification under sub-section (1) shall
    be final and conclusive.
  83. Within two months from the date of publication of the notification under subsection (1) of section 7 fixing the highway boundary, building line and control line
    with respect to any highway, the Highway Authority shall cause a map to be made
    of the area through which such highway passes and shall cause to be marked thereon
    the highway boundaries and building and control lines and any other particulars
    necessary for the purposes of this Act and within one month from the date of
    making any alteration or addition thereto cause the said map to be corrected and
    such map with the date indicated thereon of the last time when the same shall have
    been so corrected shall be kept in the office of the Highway Authority. Such map,
    which shall bear the seal of the Highway Authority, shall be open to inspection.
    Copies of such map shall also be kept for inspection at such other places as may
    be prescribed.
  84. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law, custom, agreement or
    instrument for the time being in force, on or after the appointed day, the following
    restrictions shall, subject to the provisions of this Act, be in force, that is to say,—
    no person shall, without the previous permission in writing of the Highway
    Authority,—
    (a) upon any land lying between the highway boundary and the building line
    proposed to be fixed under sub-section (2), or fixed under sub-section (1), of
    section 7, as the case may be,
    (i) construct from or lay out any means of access to, or from a highway, or
    (ii) erect any building, or
    (iii) materially alter any existing building, or
    (iv) make or extend any excavation, or
    (v) construct, form or lay out any works; or
    (b) upon any land lying between the building line and the control line proposed
    to be fixed under sub-section (2), or fixed under sub-section (1), of section 7,
    as the case may be,
    (i) construct, form or lay out any means of access to, or from, a highway,
    or
    (ii) erect any building, or
    (iii) materially alter any existing building;
    (c) use any building or alter the use of any building already erected in manner
    which in the opinion of the Highway Authority will, in any manner whatsoever,
    infringe any of the provisions of this Act, or interfere with the use of a highway
    adjoining the land on which such building is erected.
    Map to be
    prepared and
    maintained.
    Restrictions
    on buildings
    between
    highway
    boundary
    and building
    line and
    between
    building and
    control lines.
    H 166-2
    6 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    (2) Every person desiring to obtain such permission under sub-section (1) shall
    make an application in writing to the Highway Authority in such form and containing
    such information as may be prescribed in respect of the building, alteration, excavation,
    works or means of access, as the case may be, to which the application relates.
    (3) On receipt of such application, the Highway Authority, after making such
    enquiries as it may consider necessary, shall order in writing either—
    (a) grant the permission, subject to such conditions, if any, as may be specified
    in the order, or
    (b) refuse to grant such permission :
    Provided that—
    (i) permission under clause (a) of sub-section (1) to the making of any
    excavation or construction, formation or laying out of works in land for the
    purpose of repairing, renewing, enlarging or maintaining any underground sewer,
    drainelectric line, pipe, duct or other apparatus shall not be withheld nor be made
    subject to any conditions save such as may be necessary for securing that the
    sewer, drain electric line, pipe, duct or other apparatus shall be laid in such
    manner and at such levels that the construction, maintenance, development
    improvement of a road thereover will not be prevented or ‘prejudicially affect
    thereby ;
    (ii) premission under clause (b) of sub-section (1) to the erection or altration
    of a building or laying out any means of access to a highway which conform to
    the requirements of public health and welfare and of safety and convenience of
    traffic on the adjoining road shall neither be withheld nor made subject to
    unreasonable conditions :
    Provided that in the case of means of access required for agricultural purpose
    such permission shall neither be withheld nor be made subject to any conditions
    save such as may be necessary for securing that the means of access shall be used
    for agricultural purposes only ;
    (iii) permission under clause (b) of sub-section (1) to the re-erection or alteration of
    a building which was in existence before the appointed day shall neither be withheld
    nor, made subject to restrictions unless such re-erection or alteration involves any
    material alteration to the outside appearance of the building.
    (4) When the Highway Authority refuses permission, the reasons therefor shall
    be recorded and communicated to the applicant :
    Provided that nothing herein contained shall debar a person from making a fresh
    application after omitting thereform the objectionable features communicated to him
    as aforesaid on account of which such permission was refused.
    (5) If at the expiration of a period of three months after an application for such
    permission specifying the name and address of the applicant has been made to the
    Highway Authority, or such further period not exceeding three months as may have
    been notified by the Highway Authority has lapsed and no decision has been notified
    in writing, posted or delivered to the applicant at the address, then (except as may
    otherwise be agreed in writing between the Highway Authority and the applicant)
    permission shall be deemed to have been given without the imposition by the
    Highway Authority of any conditions.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 7
    (6) The Highway Authority shall maintain a register with sufficient particulars
    of all permissions given or refused by it under this section and the register shall be
    available for inspection free of charge by all persons interested and such persons
    shall be entitled to take extracts therefrom.
    Explanation.—For the purpose of this section, the “appointed day” shall, with
    reference to any highway boundary, building line or control line, mean—
    (1) the day on which a notification is published in the Official Gazette, under
    sub-section (2) of section 7 proposing to fix such highway boundary, building
    line or control line, and
    (2) if any modification is made in such highway boundary, building line or
    control line, the day on which the notification is published under sub-section (1)
    of section 7 fixing such highway boundary, building line or control line.
  85. (1) If any applicant is aggrieved by any decision of the Highway Authority
    under section 9, withholding permission, or imposing any condition, he may appeal
    to the State Government within 30 days from the date on which such decision was
    communicated to him.
    (2) The State Government may, after giving an opportunity to the applicant to
    be heard, make such order as it thinks fit upon the appeal and the decision of the
    State Government shall be final.
  86. (1) No restrictions in force under section 9 shall apply to the erection or
    making of a building or excavation or to the construction, formation of laying out,
    of any means of access or works begun before the appointed day referred to in
    section 9.
    (2) No restrictions in force under section 9, except restrictions as to the construction, formation or laying out, or means of access, shall apply to any land forming part
    of a burial or cremation ground or other place for the disposal of the dead being land
    which has, before the passing of this Act, been used for such purpose.
    (3) No restrictions in force under section 9 shall apply to any excavation or works
    necessary in connection with any drains, ditches, or other drainage works for agricultural
    purposes or to any works necessary for the repair, renewal, enlargement or maintenance
    of any sewer, drain, electric line, pipe, duct, or other apparatus, constructed in or upon
    the land before the date on which the restrictions came into force or with the consent
    of the Highway Authority on or after that date.
  87. Whenever any building or any part thereof erected before the appointed day
    referred to in section 9 lies between the building line and the middle of the highway,
    the Highway Authority may, whenever any such building or part has either entirely
    or in greater part been taken down, burnt down or fallen down by notice require
    such building or part when re-erected to be set back to the building line or control
    line.
  88. (1) The Highway Authority may, if it is considered essential in the interests
    of safety or convenience of traffic, regulate or divert any existing right of access to
    a highway across land lying between the control line and the highway boundary :
    Provided that the existing right of access shall not be diverted until alternative
    access has been given.
    (2) Where the existing right of access is diverted, the point at which alternative
    access is given to the highway shall not be unreasonably distant from the existing
    point of access.
    Appeal.
    Exemptions
    for works in
    progress,
    etc.
    Regulation
    or diversion
    of right of
    access to
    highway.
    Setting back
    to building
    line or
    control line.
    8 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    (3) The Highway Authority shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, publish
    the date on which the existing right of access has been diverted and alternative
    access has been given.
  89. For the purpose of carrying out any of the provisions of this Act, the
    Highway Authority and the officers and servants appointed under section 6 may—
    (a) enter upon, survey and take measurements and levels of any land ;
    (b) mark such levels, dig or bore into the subsoil of any land ;
    (c) demarcate the boundaries of the highway by planting stones or other
    suitable marks in different colours of a durable nature at intervals all along the
    highway in such a manner that the imaginary line joining such stones or marks
    shows the road boundary correctly ;
    (d) where there are bends or kinks on the road boundary, locate the stones or
    marks in different colours so as to give the correct configuration of the boundary
    if they are joined by straight lines ;
    (e) give consecutive numbers to such boundary stones or marks and miantain
    them on the ground as if they constituted part of the highway ;
    (f) lay out the building and control lines by placing marks in different colours
    and cutting trenches ;
    (g) if the survey cannot otherwise be made, or measurements or levels taken
    or boundaries marked and lines laid out, cut down and clear away any standing
    crop, tree, fence or jungle or any part thereof ;
    (h) do all other acts necessary in that behalf :
    Provided that the Highway Authority shall not, except with the consent of the
    occupier thereof, enter or permit any of the officers or servants to enter any
    permises without previously giving such occupier at least forty-eight hours’ notice
    in writing of its intention to do so. 1[15. (1) Any land required by the Highway Authority for discharging its
    functions under this Act shall be deemed to be the land needed for a public purpose
    and such land may, on a request being received from the Authority, be acquired by
    the State Government for the said Authority under the provisions of this Act.
    (2) On the Highway Authority approaching the State Government as provided
    under sub-section (1) with such requisition and the State Govenment being satisfied
    that for a public purpose any land is required for the building, maintenance,
    management or operation of a highway or part thereof, it may, by notification in
    the Official Gazette, declare its intention to acquire such land :
    Provided that, if the land intended to be acquired is situated in the Scheduled
    Area, before declaring its intenion to acquire such land, the State Government or
    the officer authorised in this behalf shall consult, in such manner as may be laid
    down by the State Government by a general or special order issued in this behalf,—
    (i) the Gram Sabha or Panchayat concerned, if the land is falling within the
    limits of a village ;
    (ii) the Panchayat Samiti concerned, if the land is falling within the limits of
    more than one villages in a Block.
    (iii) the Zilla Parishad concerned, if the land is falling within the limits of
    more than one Blocks, in a District.
    1 These sections were substituted for sections 15 to 19 by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 2.
    Powers of
    Highways
    Authority
    and officers
    and servants
    appointed
    under
    section 6 in
    respect of
    surveys.
    Power to
    acquire
    land, etc.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 9
    Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section,—
    (i) the expressions “Gram Sabha” and “Scheduled Area” shalll have the
    meaning respectively assigned to them in the *Bombay Village Panchayats Act,
    1958 ;
    (ii) the expressions “Panchayat Samit” and “Zilla Parishad” shall have the
    meaning respectively assigned to them in the Maharashtra Zilla Parishad and
    Panchayat Samitis Act, 1961.
    (3) Every notification issued under sub-section (2), shall give a brief description
    of the land.
    (4) Any officer authorised by the State Government, by notification in the Official
    Gazette, for acquisition of land for the purposes of this Act (hereinafter called as
    “the Land Acquisition Officer”), shall cause the substance of the notification to be
    published in two local newspapers, one of which will be in a vernacular language.
  90. On the issue of the notification under sub-section (2) of section 15, it shall
    be lawful for the Land Acquisition Officer or any person authorise by the State
    Government in this behalf, to—
    (a) make any inspection, survey, measurement, valuation or enquiry ;
    (b) take levels ;
    (c) dig or bore into sub-soil ;
    (d) set out boudaries and intended lines of work ;
    (e) mark such levels, boundaries and lines by placing marks and cutting
    trenches ; or
    (f) do such other acts or things as may be prescribed.
  91. (1) Any person interested in the land other than the persons whose objections
    or suggestions have already been considered or heard by the Highway Authority in
    response to the notification issued by the Highway Authority under section 7 may,
    within twenty-one days from the date of publication of the notification under subsection (2) of section 15, object to the use of the land for the purpose or purposes
    mentioned in that sub-section.
    (2) Every objection under sub-section (1) shall be made to the Land Acquisition
    Officer in writing and shall set out the grounds thereof and the Land Acquisition
    Officer shall give the objector an opportuniy of being heard, either in person or,
    by a legal practitioner, and may, after hearing all such objections and after making
    such further enquiry, if any, as the Land Acquisition Officer thinks necessary by
    order, either allow or disallow the objections.
    Explanation.—For the purposes of this sub-section, “legal Practitioner” has the
    same meaning as in clause (i) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Advocates Act,
    1961.
    (3) Any order made by the Land Acquisition Officer under sub-section (2) shall
    be final.
  92. (1) Where no objection under sub-section (1) of section 17 has been made to
    the Land Acquisition Officer within the period specified therein or where the Land
    Acquisition Officer has disallowed the objection under sub-section (2) of that section
    the Land Acquisition Officer shall, as soon as may be, submit a report accordingly
    to the State Government and on receipt of such report, the State Government shall
    declare, by notification in the Official Gazette, that the land should be acquired for
    the purpose or purposes mentioned in sub-section (2) of section 15.
    Bom.
    III of
    1959.
    Mah.
    V of
    1962.
    25 of
    1961.
    Power to
    enter or
    survey, etc.
    Declaration
    of
    acquisition.
    Hearing of
    objections.
  • The short title of this Act was amended as “the Maharashtra Village Panchayats Act” by Mah.
    24 of 2012, Sch. entry, w.e.f. 1-5-1960.
    10 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    (2) On the publication of such declaration under sub-section (1), the land shall
    vest absolutely in the State Government free from all encumbrances.
    (3) Where in respect of any land, a notification has been published under subsection (2) of section 15 for its acquisition but no declaration under sub-section (1)
    has been published within a period of one year from the date of publication of that
    notification, the said notification shall cease to have any effect :
    Provided that, in computing the said period of one year, the period or periods
    during which any action or proceedings to be taken in pursuance of the notification
    issued under sub-section (2) of section 15 is stayed by an order or a court shall be
    excluded.
    (4) A declaration made by the State Government under sub-section (1), shall not
    be called in question in any court or by any other authority.
  1. (1) Where any land has been vested in the State Government under subsection (2) of section 18, and the amount determined by the Land Acquisition
    Officer under section 19B with respect to such land has been deposited under subsection (1) of section 19C with the Land Acquisition Officer by the State Government,
    the Land Acquisition Officer may by notice in writing direct the owner as well as
    any other person who may be in possession of such land to surrender or deliver
    possession thereof to the Land Acquisition Officer or any person duly authorised by
    him in this behalf within sixty days of the service of the notice.
    (2) if any person refuses or fails to comply with any direction made under subsection (1), the Land Acquisition Officer shall apply—
    (a) in case of the land situated in any area falling within the metropolitan area
    to the Commissioner of Police ;
    (b) in case of the land situated in any area other than the area referred to in
    clause (a), to the Collector of a District ; and
    such Commissioner or Collector, as the case may be, shall enforce the surrender
    of the land, to the Land Acquisition Officer or to the person duly authorised by him.
    19A. Where the land has been vested in the State Government under section 18,
    it shall be lawful for the Land Acquisition Officer or any person authorised by him
    in this behalf, to enter and do other act necessary upon the land for carrying out
    the building maintenance, management or operation of a highway or a part thereof,
    or any other work connected therewith.
    19B. (1) Where any land is acquired by the State Government under this chapter
    there shall be paid an amount of compensation which shall be determined in
    accordance with the provisions of this section.
    (2) Where the amount of compensation has been determined by agreement
    between the State Government and the person to be compensated, it shall be
    determined in accordance with such agreement.
    (3) Where no such agreement can be reached, the State Government shall refer
    the case to the Land Acquisition Officer for determination of the amount of compensation to be paid for such acquisition and also the person or persons to whom such
    compensation shall be paid :
    Provided that, no compensation exceeding such amount as the State Government
    may by general order specify, shall be determined by the Land Acquisition Officer
    without the previous approval of the State Government or such Officer as the State
    Government may appoint in this behalf.
    Powers to
    take
    possession.
    Right to
    enter into
    land where
    land vested
    in State
    Government.
    Determination of
    amount
    payable as
    compensation.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 11
    (4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), if, after the case is
    referred to the Land Acquisition Officer under the said sub-section (3) but before
    he finally determined the amount of compensation, such amount is determined by
    agreement between the State Government and the person to be compensated, the
    compensation shall be determined by the Land Acquisition Officer in accordance
    with such agreement.
    (5) Where the right of user of any right in the nature of an easement on any land
    is acquired under this Act, there shall be paid, to the owner and any other person
    whose right of enjoyment in that land has been affected in any manner whatsoever
    by reason of such acquisition, an amount calculated at ten per cent. of the amount
    determined under sub-section (2) or sub-section (3), as the case may be, for that land.
    (6) Before proceeding to determine the amount under sub-section (3) or subsection (5), the Land Acquisition Officer shall give a public notice published in two
    local newspapers, one of which shall be in a vernacular language, inviting claims
    from all persons interested in the land to be acquired.
    (7) Such notice shall state the particulars of the land and shall require all persons
    interested in such land to appear in person or by an agent or by a legal practitioner
    referred to in sub-section (2) of section 17 before the Land Acquisition Officer, at
    a time and place, and to state the nature of their respective interest in such land.
    (8) If the amount determined by the Land Acquisition Officer under sub-section
    (3) or sub-section (5) is not acceptable to either of the parties, the amount shall, on
    an application by either of the parties, be determined by the arbitrator to be appointed
    by the State Government.
    (9) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the provisions of the Arbitration and
    Conciliation Act, 1996 shall apply to every arbitration under this Act.
    (10) The Land Acquisition Officer or the arbitrator while determining the amount
    under sub-section (3) or sub-section (8), as the case may be, shall take into
    consideration,—
    (a) the market value of the land on the date of publication of the notification
    under section 15 ;
    (b) the damage, if any, sustained by the person interested at the time of taking
    possession of the land, by reason of the servering of such land from other land ;
    (c) the damage, if any, sustained by the person interested at the time of taking
    possession of the land, by reason of the acquisition injuriously affecting his other
    immovable property in any manner, or his earnings ;
    (d) if, in consequences of the acquisition of the land, the person interested is
    compelled to change his residence or place of business, the reasonable expenses,
    if any, incidental to such change.
    19C. (1) The amount determined under section 19B shall be deposited by the
    State Government, in the prescribed manner, with the Land Acquisition Officer
    before taking possession of the land.
    (2) As soon as may be after the amount has been deposited under sub-section (1),
    the Land Acquisition Officer shall on behalf of the State Government pay the
    amount to the person or persons entitled thereto.
    (3) Where several persons claim to be interested in the amount deposited under
    sub-section (1), the Land Acquisition Officer shall determine the persons who in his
    opinion are entitled to receive the amount payable to each of them.
    26 of
    1996.
    Deposit and
    payment of
    amount.
    12 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    (4) If any dispute arises as to the apportionment of the amount or any part thereof
    or to any person to whom the same or any part thereof is payable, the Land
    Acquisition Officer shall refer the dispute to the decision of the principal civil court
    of original jurisdiction within the limits of whose jurisdiction the land is situated.
    (5) Where the amount determined under sub-section (8) of section 19B by the
    arbitrator is in excess of the amount determined by the Land Acquisition Officer,
    the arbitrator may award interest at nine per cent. per annum on such excess amount
    from the date of taking possession under section 19 till the date of the actual deposit
    thereof.
    (6) Where the amount determined by the arbitrator is in excess of the amount
    determined by the Land Acquisition Officer, the excess amount together with an
    interest, if any, awarded under sub-section (5), shall be deposited by the State
    Government, in the prescribed manner, with the Land Acquisition Officer and the
    provisions of sub-sections (2) to (4) shall apply to such deposit.
    19D. The Land Acquisition Officer shall have, for the purposes of this Act, all
    the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure,
    1908, in respect of the following matters, namely :—
    (a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him
    on oath ;
    (b) requiring the discovery and production of any document ;
    (c) reception of evidence on affidavits ;
    (d) requisitioning any public record from any court or office ;
    (e) issuing commission for examination of witnesses.
    19E. Nothing in the Land Acquisition Act, 1894 shall apply to an acquisition
    under this Act.]
    CHAPTER IV.
    Prevention of unauthorised occupation of, and encroachment on, a
    highway and removal of encroachment.
  2. All lands forming part of a highway which do not already vest in the State
    Government shall, for the purpose of this Chapter, be deemed to be the property
    of the State Government.
    5 of
    1908.
    I of
    1894.
    Land
    Acquisition
    officer to
    have certain
    powers of
    civil court.
    Lands
    forming
    part of
    highway
    deemed to be
    Government
    property.
    Land
    Acquisition
    Act, 1894 not
    to apply.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 13
  3. (1) No person shall occupy or encroach on any highway within the highway
    boundaries without obtaining the previous permission in writing of the Highway
    Authority or an officer authorized in this behalf by the Highway Authority.
    (2) The Highway Authority or an officer authorized by the Highway Authority
    in this behalf may, with due regard to the safety and convenience of traffic and
    subject to such conditions as may be imposed and such rules as may be prescribed
    by the State Government, and on payment of such rent or other charges as may be
    prescribed under such rules, permit any person,—
    (i) to place a temporary encroachment on any highway in front of any building
    owned by him or make a temporary structure overhanging the highway, or
    (ii) to put up a temporary awning or tent, pandal or other similar erection or
    a temporary stall or scaffolding on any highway, or
    (iii) to deposit or cause to be deposited building materials, goods for sale or
    other articles on any highway, or
    (iv) to make a temporary excavation for carrying out any repairs or
    improvements to adjoining building :
    Provided that no such permission shall be deemed to be valid beyond a period
    of one year unless expressly renewed by the Highway Authority or the authorized
    officer.
    (3) The permission so granted shall clearly specify the date up to which the
    person is authorized to occupy the highway, the purposes for which occupation is
    authorized and the exact portion of the highway permitted to be occupied and shall
    also be accompanied by a plan or sketch of that portion of the highway, if necessary.
    (4) The person in whose favour such a permission has been given shall produce
    the permit for inspection whenever called upon to do so by the Highway Authority
    or any officer by a general or special order empowered in that behalf and shall at
    the end of the period specified in the permit release the land occupied by him after
    restoring it to the same state as before the occupation by him.
    (5) The Highway Authority or the officer issuing the permission shall maintain
    a complete record of all such permissions issued and shall also cause a check-up to
    be made in every case at the expiration of the period up to which occupation has
    been authorized to ensure that the land has actually been vacated.
  4. (1) The Highway Authority may cancel any permission granted under
    section 21—
    (a) if any rent or charge is not duly paid,
    (b) if the purpose for which the permission was given has ceased to exist,
    (c) in the event of any breach by the holder of such permission or of any terms
    or conditions of such permission,
    (d) if the land on which such encroachment has been made is required for any
    public purpose or such encroachment is causing impediment or danger to traffic.
    (2) Where the permission has been cancelled under clause (b) or (d) of subsection (1) any rent or charge paid in advance shall be refunded to the holder of
    such permission less the amount, if any, due to the State Govenment.
    Prevention
    of
    unauthorized
    occupation
    of highway.
    Power to
    cancel
    permit.
    H 166-3
    14 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
  5. (1) When as a result of check of highway boundaries made or otherwise it
    transpires that an encroachment has taken place on a highway the Highway Authority
    or the officer authorized under sub-section (1) of section 21 shall serve a notice on
    the person responsible for the encroachment or his representative requiring him to
    remove such encroachment and restore the land to its original conditions before the
    encroachment within the period specified in the notice.
    (2) The notice shall specify the land encroached upon and the time limit within
    which such encroachment shall be removed and shall also state that failure to
    comply within the specified period shall render the person liable to prosecution and
    also to summary eviction.
    (3) If the encroachment is not removed within the time-limit specified in the
    notice and no valid cause is shown for non-compliance, the Highway Authority or
    the authorized officer referred to in sub-section (1) may prosecute such person
    before the appropriate Magistrate for his having made or caused the encroachment
    and for his failure to remove it within the specified time.
    (4) Where the encroachment is made for the purpose of exposing articles for sale,
    opening temporary booths for vending or other like purpose of a trival nature the
    Highway Authority or the authorized officer referred to in sub-section (1) may with
    the help of the police, if necessary, have such encroachment summarily removed
    without issuing a notice as required by sub-section (1), or in lieu of removal of the
    encroachment, may give the person responsible for the encroachment option of
    executing a lease in favour of the Highway Authority on payment of rent for the
    area encroached upon.
    (5) When the encroachment is of a temporary nature and can easily be removed
    but is not such as can be described as trivial within the meaning of sub-section (4),
    the Highway Authority or the authorized officer referred to in sub-section (1) may
    in addition to or in lieu of prosecuting the person responsible for the encroachment
    under sub-section (3) have the encroachment summarily removed with the assistance
    of the police, if necessary.
    (6) Where the encroachment is of such a nature that its immediate removal is,
    considered essential in the interests of safety of traffic, on the highway or the safety
    of any structure forming part of the highway, the Highway Authority or the authorized
    officer referred to in sub-section (1) may, in addition to prosecution of the person
    under sub-section (3), either—
    (i) have such protective work, as may be feasible at a reasonable cost, carried
    out so as to minimise the danger to traffic on the highway, or
    (ii) have the encroachment removed with the help of the police, if necessary.
  6. Where the person on whom notice to remove an encroachment has been
    served under sub-section (1) of section 23 lays claim that the land in respect of
    which encroachment has been alleged is his property or that he has acquired a right
    over it by virtue of adverse possession or otherwise he shall within the time-limit
    prescribed in the notice for the removal of the encroachment, file an appeal before
    the Collector under intimation to the Highway Authority or the officer authorized
    under sub-section (1) of section 21, as the case may be. The Collector shall after
    due enquiry record his decision in writing and communicate the same to the
    appellant and the Highway Authority or such officer. The Highway Authority to
    such officer shall till then desist from taking further action in the matter.
    Prevention
    of
    encroachment.
    Appeal
    against
    notice
    served under
    sub-section
    (1) of
    section 23.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 15
  7. (1) Whenever the Highway Authority or the officer authorized under subsection (1) of section 21 has under the provisions of section 23 removed any
    encroachment or carried out any protective work in respect of any encroachment,
    the expenditure involved shall be recovered from the person responsible for the
    encroachment in the manner hereinafter provided.
    (2) A bill, representing the expenditure incurred shall be served by the Highway
    Authority or the authorized officer referred to in sub-section (1) on the person
    responsible for the encroachment or his representative with a direction to pay up the
    amount within a specified period to the authority mentioned in the bill.
    (3) The bill shall be accompanied by a certificate from the Highway Authority
    or the authorized officer referred to in sub-section (1) to the effect that the amount
    of expenditure indicated in the bill represents the charges incurred and such a
    certificate shall be conclusive proof that the charges had actually been incurred.
    (4) The materials, if any, recovered as a result of the removal of any encroachment
    shall be handed over to the person responsible for the encroachment on payment of
    the amount of the bill by him but in the event of his failure to pay up the amount
    within the specified period, the materials may be auctioned and after deducting the
    amount of the bill from the procceds, the balance, if any, shall be made over to such
    person.
    (5) If the proceeds of the auction sale do not cover the total amount billed for,
    the excess over the amount realised by the sale of materials, or if there are no
    materials to dispose of and the billed amount has not been paid by the person
    responsible for the encroachment within the specified period, the entire amount of
    the bill shall be recovered from such person as an arrear of land revenue.
    CHAPTER V.
    Compensation.
  8. In the exercise of the powers under the following provisions by the Highway
    Authority or any officer or servant appointed under section 6 or any other person
    authorised by or under this Act by the State Government as little damage as can be
    shall be done and compensation in the manner prescribed by or under this Act shall
    be paid to any person who sustains damage in consequence of the exercise of such
    powers, namely :—
    (a) the imposition of restrictions under section 9 ;
    (b) the setting back of any building or part thereof under section 12 ;
    (c) the regulation or diversion of any right of access to a highway under
    section 13 ;
    (d) the entry, survey, measurement and doing of any of the acts on any land
    under section 14 ; 1 * * * * * *
    (f) the closure of any highway or part thereof under section 52.
  9. The amount of compensation payable under section 26, the persons to whom
    it is to be paid and the apportionment of such amount among the persons interested
    therein shall be determined by agreement between the Highway Authority or any
    officer authorised by the State Government and the person or persons claiming
    interest therein.
    1 Clause (e) was deleted by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 3.
    Recovery of
    cost of
    removal of
    encroachment.
    Doing
    minimum
    damage in
    certain cases
    and compensation.
    Determination of
    amount of
    compensation by
    agreement.
    16 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
  10. (1) In default of any agreement under section 27, the Highway Authority
    or the officer authorised by the State Government shall, subject to the provisions
    of this Act, after holding an enquiry, make an award determining—
    1 * * * * * * *
    (b) the amount of compensation to be paid under section 26,
    (c) the apportionment, if any, of such compensation among all persons known
    or believed to be entitled thereto : 2[Provided that, no award allowing compensation exceeding such amount as the
    State Government may, by general order, specify shall be made without the previous
    approval of the State Government or such officer as the State Government may
    appoint in this behalf.]
    3 * * * * * *
  11. No compensation shall be awarded,—
    (i) if and in so far as the land is subject to substantially similar restriction in
    force under some other law which was in force on the date on which the
    restrictions were imposed by this Act ;
    (ii) if compensation in respect of the same restrictions imposed under this Act
    or substantially similar restrictions in force under any other law has already been
    paid in respect of the land to the claimant or to any predecessor in interest of
    the claimant.
  12. When permission to erect any building has been refused under section 9 or
    10, the amount of compensation shall not exceed the difference between the value
    of the land as determined by section 4[19B of this Act] 5

and the value which it would have had if the permission had been granted. In
determining such value any restrictions to which the land is subject under any other
law for the time being in force in regard to the right of person claiming compensation
to erect a building on the land or otherwise to use, hold or dispose of the same shall
be taken into consideration.

  1. Where the right of access to a highway has been destroyed as a result of the
    diversion or closure thereof and an alternative access has been given, the amount of
    compensation shall in no case exceed the cost of laying a new means of access from
    the property of the claimant to such alternative route.
  2. (1) At the time of an entry, survey or measurement or doing of any of the
    things under section 14, the officer making the entry, survey or measurement or
    doing any other thing shall pay or tender to any person entitled compensation for
    all necessary damage done as a result of such entry, survey, measurement or execution
    of the work, including the cutting of standing crops, trees, or removal of
    temporary structures, if any, on the land. It the sufficiency of the amount so paid
    1 Clause (a) was deleted by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 4 (a).
    2 This proviso was added by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 7.
    3 Sub-section (2) was deleted by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 4 (b).
    4 The figures, letter and words were substituted for the figures and words “23 or 24 of the Land
    Acquisition Act, 1894”, ibid., s. 5.
    5 The words “as amended by the Schedule to this Act” were deleted, ibid,, s. 3.
    Determination of
    amount of
    compensation in
    default of
    agreement.
    No compensation if
    restrictions
    in force
    under any
    other law or
    if compensation already
    received.
    Compensation for
    refusal of
    permission
    to build not
    to exceed
    difference
    between its
    value when
    it was
    refused and
    when it
    would have
    been granted.
    Compensation for
    diversion of access not to
    exceed cost
    of alternative
    access. Compensation for
    cutting of
    standing
    crops, trees,
    etc.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 17
    or tendered is disputed, the officer concerned shall at once refer the dispute to the
    Highway Authority and the said Authority shall with the least practicable delay
    decide the dispute and pay to the person entitled the amount determined as
    compensation. The decision of the Highway Authority shall be final.
    (2) If at the time of taking possession of the land under section 19 there are any
    standing crops, trees or temporary structures on the land, the Highway Authority
    shall pay or tender to the person entitled the amount of compensation for such
    standing crops, trees or temporary structures. If the sufficiency of such a amount
    is disputed, the value of such crops, trees and temporary structures shall be taken
    into consideration in determining the amount of compensation for the land under
    1[section 19B].
  3. If any person has unauthorisedly erected, re-erected, added or altered any
    building on any land which is acquired for the purpose of a highway, then any
    increase in the value of the land from such erection, re-erection, addition or alteration
    shall not be taken into account in estimating the value of the land.
  4. No compensation shall be payable for the removal of any encroachment.
  5. 2[(1) Any person aggrieved by the award of the Highway Authority, or the
    Officer authorised under section 28, shall by a written application to the Highway
    Authority, or such officer, require that the matter be referred, to arbitrator appointed
    under sub-section (8) of section 19B.]
    (2) Any such application shall be made within six weeks from the date of the
    award, and shall be in such form as may be prescribed.
    (3)
    3[ * * * * * * * *
    (4) The Highway Authority or the Officer authorised shall make the reference
    in such manner as may be prescribed.
  6. (1) Reference under sections 35 and 44 shall be deemed to be proceedings
    within the meaning of section 141 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, and in
    the trial thereof the authorities empowered to decide such references may exercise
    all the powers of a civil court under that Code.
    (2) The scope of the enquiry in a reference under section 35 or 44 shall be
    restricted to a consideration of the matters referred to the authorities mentioned in
    sub-section (1) in accordance with the provisions of this Act.
  7. If the Highway Authority or any officer or servant is opposed or impeded
    4[ * * * * in executing any work or in removing any
    encroachment under this Act, the Highway Authority or officer or servant concerned
    shall apply in Greater Bombay to the Commissioner of Police, and elsewhere, to
    the District Superintendent of Police or such Police Officer as the State Government
    may empower in this behalf, and the Commissioner, the District Superintendent or
    the officer so empowered shall enforce the surrender, removal or execution, as the
    case may be.
    1 The word, figures and letter was substituted for the words and figures “section 28” by Mah. 37
    of 1999, s. 6.
    2 This sub-section was substituted, ibid., s. 7 (a).
    3 This sub-section (3) was deleted, ibid., s. 7 (b).
    4 These words “in taking possession of any land or” were deleted, ibid., s. 8.
    No compensation for
    unauthorised
    erections.
    No compensation for
    removal of
    encroachment.
    Reference
    against
    award of
    Highway
    Authority or
    authorised
    officer under
    section 28.
    Procedure
    and powers
    of the
    authorities
    empowered
    to decide
    references
    under
    section 35
    and 44.
    Commissioner of
    Police or
    District
    Superintendent of
    Police to
    enforce,
    surrender or
    remove any
    encroachment.
    V of
    1908.
    18 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
  8. The decisions of the authorities empowered to decide references under
    sections 35 and 44 shall be enforceable as a decree of a civil court.
  9. (1) On the determination of compensation by agreement under section 27,
    or
    (2) on the making of an award under section 28, or
    (3) if a reference is made under section 35 against such award, after the decision
    of the Authority under that section,
    the Highway Authority shall make the payment of the compensation awarded to
    the person entitled thereto in accordance with the agreement, its award or the
    decision of the Authority empowered to decide references under section 35, as the
    case may be. 1[The provisions of section 19C shall, mutatis mutandis, apply to such
    payment].
  10. All payments due to be made to any person by way of compensation by the
    Highway Authority under this Act shall, as far as possible, be made by adjustment
    in such person’s account regarding betterment charges, if any, due from such person
    under Chapter VI.
    CHAPTER VI.
    Levy of Betterment Charges.
  11. Where any work which the Highway Authority is empowered to undertake
    by or under the provisions of this Act is undertaken, the officer authorised by the
    State Government in this behalf shall give notice to the persons known or believed
    to be the owners of or interested in the lands benefited by such work requiring them
    to appear before him either personally or by an agent at a time and place therein
    mentioned (such time not being earlier than 30 days from the date of notice) to start
    their objections, if any, to the imposition and recovery of betterment charges on
    such lands :
    Provided that no notice shall be given unless the Collector with the previous
    sanction of the State Government has declared that the value of such lands is likely
    to increase or has increased by reason of the construction of such work.
  12. On the date fixed under section 41 or on such other date to which the inquiry
    may be adjourned, the officer authorised under section 41 shall, after holding a
    formal inquiry and after hearing the objections, if any, stated by the persons as
    required by notice under section 41, make an order. The order shall specify,—
    (a) the lands benefited by the construction of the work,
    (b) the increase in the value of such lands by the proposed construction,
    (c) the amount of the betterment charges leviable on each of the said lands,
    (d) the date from which such betterment charges shall be leviable :
    Provided that no betterment charges shall be leviable in respect of any land—
    (a) which is unsuitable for development as a building site, or
    (b) which is situate beyond a distance of one furlong from the middle of the
    highway on either side.
    1 These words were substituted for the portion begining with the words “The provision of sections”
    and ending with the words “apply to such payment”, by Mah. 37of 1999, s. 9.
    Decisions
    of authorities
    under
    sections 35
    and 44 to
    be enforced
    as decrees of
    civil court.
    Payment of
    compensation
    awarded.
    Payment by
    adjustment.
    Inquiry and
    order.
    Notice to
    owners and
    persons
    interested.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 19
  13. The increase in value on account of the construction of such work shall be
    the amount by which the value of the land on the date of the completion of the
    proposed work is likely to exceed or has exceeded the value of the land on the date
    of the commencement of the said work and the betterment charges shall be one-half
    of such increase in value.
    Explanation.—For the purposes of this section, the State Government shall, by
    notification in the Official Gazette, specify—
    (a) the date of commencement of the construction of any work,
    (b) the date of completion of such work.
  14. (1) Any person aggrieved by the order fixing the betterment charges may,
    by a written application to the officer authorised under section 41, require that the
    matter be referred, if the land in relation to which the order is made is situate,—
    (i) in Greater Bombay, to the Principal Judge of the City Civil Court or such
    other Judge of the said Court as may be nominated by the State Government in
    consultation with the Principal Judge ; and
    (ii) elsewhere, to the Civil Judge (Senior Division) of the district within the
    limits of whose jurisdiction the land is situate.
    (2) Any such application shall be made within six weeks from the date on which
    the order of the officer referred to in sub-section (1) was communicated to such
    person and shall be in such form as may be prescribed.
    (3) The provisions of sections 5, 12 and 14 of the Indian Limitation Act, 1908,
    shall apply to the computation of the time fixed for reference under sub-section (2).
    (4) The Officer authorised under section 41 shall make the reference, in such
    manner as may be prescribed.
  15. The order fixing the betterment charges made under section 42, subject to
    a reference to the Authority under section 44 and the decision of the Authority on
    reference under section 44, shall be final.
  16. From the date specified in the order fixing the betterment charges as the date
    from which such charges shall be leviable, or from such date as may be otherwise
    specified by the Authority under section 44 as the date from which such charge shall
    be leviable, the betterment charges recoverable in respect of any land shall, subject
    to the prior payment of the land revenue, if any, due to the State Government
    thereon, be a first charge on the land in respect of which such betterment charges
    are leviable.
  17. The betterment charges shall be payable on the date fixed under the rules
    made by the State Government under section 71 :
    Provided that the owner of the land in which such charges are imposed may
    execute an agreement in favour of the State Government agreeing to pay the amount
    of such charges by annual instalments together with interest at such rate and within
    such period as may be prescribed.
    IX of
    1908.
    Increase in
    value and
    betterment
    charges.
    Reference
    against order
    of authorised
    officer under
    section 42.
    Finality of
    order fixing
    betterment
    charges and
    of decision
    on reference.
    Betterment
    charges to
    be first
    charge on
    land next to
    land revenue.
    Payment of
    betterment
    charges.
    20 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
  18. Notwithstanding anything contained in section 47, the State Government
    may allow the owner of the land on which the betterment charges may be payable
    to relinquish the whole or any part of the land or to deliver it in exchange in lieu
    of payment of the charges, in favour of the State Government on such conditions
    as may be prescribed :
    Provided that no such relinquishment or exchange shall be permitted unless the
    land is free from encumbrances.
    CHAPTER VII.
    Supplemental provisions to secure safety of traffic and prevention of
    damage to highways.
  19. (1) Whenever the Highway Authority is of opinion that it is necessary for
    the prevention of danger arising from obstruction of the view of persons using any
    highway 2[or from distraction of attention of such persons], especially at any bend
    or corner of the highway, it may, save as otherwise provided in section 11, serve
    a notice upon the owner or occupier of land alongside or at the bend or corner of
    such highway to alter within such time and in such manner as may be specified in
    the notice, the height or character of any existing wall (not being a wall forming
    part of a permanent structure), fence, hedge, tree, advertisement post, bill board or
    any other object thereon, so as to cause it to conform with any requirements
    specified in the notice.
    (2) If any person upon whom a notice has been served under sub-section (1)
    objects to comply with any requirement of such notice, he may, within one month
    of its receipt, send to the Highway Authority his objection in writing stating the
    grounds thereof.
    (3) The Highway Authority shall, within one month of the receipt of the objection
    consider the grounds advanced and shall, by order in writing, either withdraw the
    notice or amend or confirm it.
    (4) If a person is aggrieved by an order issued by the Highway Authority under
    sub-section (3), he may prefer an appeal within 15 days from the date when such
    order was communicated to him, to the Collector whose decision in the matter shall
    be final.
    (5) If any person fails to comply with the notice served on him under sub-section
    (1) as amended or confirmed, as the case may be, under sub-section (3), the
    Highway Authority may take action to alter the object causing obstruction of view
    3[or distraction of attention] at its own expense, and such expenditure shall be
    recovered from such person in accordance with the provisions of section 25, without
    prejudice to any other action which may be taken against him.
  20. If at any time it appears to the Highway Authority that any highway in its
    charge or any protion thereof is or has been rendered unsafe for vehicular or
    pedestrain traffic by reason of damage or otherwise, it may, subject to such rules
    as may be prescribed in this behalf, either close the highway or the portion of it
    to all traffic or to any class of traffic, or regulate the number and speed or weight
    of vehicles using the highway.
  21. Where the Highway Authority is satisfied that any highway or a portion
    thereof, or any bridge, culvert or causeway built on or across any highway, is not
    designed to carry vehicless of which the laden weight exceeds such limit as may be
    fixed in this behalf, it may, subject to such rules as may be prescribed in that behalf,
    prohibit or restrict the plying of such vehicles on or over such highway or such part
    of the highway or such bridge, culvert or causeway.
    1 This marginal note was substituted for the original, Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 8 (c).
    2 These words were inserted by ibid., s. 8 (a).
    3 These words were inserted ibid., s. 8 (b).
    Relinquishment of or
    exchange of
    land in lieu
    of payment
    of betterment charges
    1[Prevention
    of danger
    arising from
    obstruction
    of veiw, etc.
    of persons
    using any
    highway.]
    Prohibition
    of use of
    heavy
    vehicles on
    certain
    highways.
    Highway
    Authority
    to regulate
    traffic when
    highway
    declared
    unsafe.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 21
  22. (1) Where in exercise of the powers conferred on it by section 50 the
    Highway Authority desires permanently to close down any highway or part thereof,
    it shall give notice of its intention so to do in the Official Gazette. The notification
    shall also be published in at least two newspapers, one of which shall be in the
    regional language of the place in which the highway is situated.
    (2) The notice shall indicate the alternative route, if any, which is proposed to
    be provided or which may already be in existence and shall also invite objections,
    if any, to the proposal to be submitted within such time as may be specified.
    (3) The Highway Authority shall finalise its proposal to close down any highway
    or part of it after considering the objections, if any, received within the specified
    time and shall submit the final proposal to the State Government for approval
    together with such objections as may have been received against the proposal.
    (4) The State Government may either approve the proposal, with or without
    modifications or reject it.
    (5) When the State Government has approved the proposal it shall publish its
    orders in the Official Gazette.
    (6) When the orders of the State Government have been published in the Official
    Gazette the Highway Authority shall arrange for further publicity to be given to the
    order in at least two newspapers one of which shall be in the regional language of
    the place in which such highway is situate and the highway or part thereof shall then
    be closed.
    (7) Whenever any highway or any part thereof has been so closed, reasonable
    compensation shall be paid to every person who was entitled, otherwise than as a
    mere member of the public, to use such highway or part thereof as a means of acces
    to or from his property and has suffered damage for such closure.
  23. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other enactment for the time
    being in force but subject to the provisions of section 72 no person other than the
    Highway Authority or any person authorised by it shall construct or carry any cable,
    wire, pipe, drain, sewer or channel of any kind through, across, under or over any
    highway, except with the permission in writing of the Highway Authority.
    (2) In giving its consent, the Highway Authority may impose such conditions as
    it may deem to be necessary, and may also impose a rent or other charge for any
    land forming part of the highway occupied by or applied to the proposed work.
    (3) If any person constructs or carries out any work in contravention of subsection (1), the Highway Authority may arrange for the removal of such work and
    restoration of the highway to its former condition in accordance with the provisions
    of section 23 as if the work constituted an encroachment on the highway, and such
    expenses as the Highway Authority may incur for this purpose, shall, without
    prejudice to any other action that may be taken against such person, be recovered
    from him in accordance with the procedure provided in section 25 in so far as that
    procedure is applicable.
  24. (1) No person shall wilfully cause, or allow any vehicle or animal in his
    charge to cause any damage to any highway.
    (2) Where in contravention of sub-section (1) any damage has been caused to
    any highway, the Highway Authority shall have the damage repaired and the expenses
    involved shall, without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against
    the person responsible for contravention of sub-section (1), be recovered from him
    in accordance with the procedure provided in section 25 in so far as that procedure
    is applicable.
    Consent of
    Highway
    Authority
    required to
    do certain
    acts on
    highway.
    Prevention
    and
    rectification
    of damaged
    highway.
    Procedure to
    be followed
    when
    Highway
    Authority
    desires
    permanently
    to close any
    highway.
    H 166-4
    22 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    CHAPTER VIII.
    Penalties.
  25. Whoever wilfully disobeys any direction lawfully given by any person or
    authority empowered under this Act to give such direcction, or obstructs any person
    or authority in the discharge of any functions that such person or authority is
    required or empowered under this Act to discharge, or, being required by or under
    this Act to supply any information, withholds such information or gives information
    which he knows to be false or which he does not believe to be true shall, on
    conviction, be punished with fine which may extend to 1[one thousand repees].
  26. Whoever erects, alters or extends any building, or make any excavation or
    constructs any means of access to or from a highway or does any other work in
    contravention of the provisions of section 9, shall, on conviction, be punished—
    (a) with fine which may extend to 2[two thousand rupees], and
    (b) with further fine which may extend to 3[five thousand repees] for each day
    after such conviction, during which the offending structure or work is not removed,
    demolished or cleared and the site not restored to its original condition.
  27. Whoever—
    (a) occupies or makes any encroachment on any highway in contravention of
    the provisions of sub-section (1) of section 21, or
    (b) fails to comply with the notice served on him under sub-section (1) of
    section 23 for no valid reason,
    shall, on conviction, be punished—
    (a) for a first offence with fine which may extend to 4[one thousand rupees],
    (b) for a subsequent offence in relation to the same encroachment with fine
    which may extend to 5[two thousand repees] plus a further fine not exceeding
    6[hundred repees per day] on which such occupation of the highway or
    encroachment continues.
  28. Whoever in contravention of sub-section (1) of section 54 wilfully causes
    or allows any vehicle or animal in his charge to cause any damage to any highway,
    shall, on conviction, be punished with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.
  29. Whoever contravenes any provision of this Act or of any rule or order made
    thereunder shall if no other penalty is provided for the offence, on conviction, be
    punished—
    (a) for a first offence with fine which may extend to 7[five thousand rupees],
    (b) for a subsequent offence with fine which may extend to 8[one thousand
    repees].
    1 These words were substituted for the words “two hundred rupees” by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 10.
    2 These words were substituted for the words “five hundred rupees” ibid., s. 11(a).
    3 These words were substituted for the words “one hundred rupees” ibid., s. 11(b).
    4 These words were substituted for the words “two hundred and fifty rupees”, ibid., s. 12(a).
    5 These words were substituted for the words “five hundred rupees” ibid., s. 12(b).
    6 These words were substituted for the words “fifty rupees per day” ibid., s. 12(c).
    7 These words were substituted for the words “fifty rupees” ibid., s. 13(a).
    8 These words were substituted for the words “two hundred rupees” ibid., s. 13(b).
    Disobedience
    of orders,
    instructions
    and refusal
    to give
    information,
    etc.
    Contravention of
    restrictions
    relating to
    access or erecting any
    building,
    etc.
    Unauthorized
    occupation
    of highway.
    Causing
    damage to
    highways.
    General
    provision
    for punishment of
    offences.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 23
  30. Any offence committed under this Act may be compounded by the Highway
    Authority and if any proceedings have been instituted against any person in any
    criminal court, then on the terms of the compromise being carried out, the composition
    shall be held to amount to an acquittal and in no case shall any further proceedings
    be taken against such-person or any property of such person with reference to same
    facts.
    CHAPTER IX.
    Miscellaneous.
  31. Every police officer shall forthwith furnish information to the nearest
    Highway Authority or the nearest officer subordinate to the Highway Authority of
    any offence coming to his knowledge which has been committed against this Act
    or any rule made under this Act, and shall be bound to assist the Highway Authority
    and its officers and servants in the exercise of their lawful authority.
  32. Every village headman, village accountant, village watchman or other village
    official by whatever name called, shall forthwith inform the nearest police station
    or the nearest Highway Authority or any officer duly authorised by the Highway
    Authority, whenever he becomes aware that any survey mark or any boundary mark
    of any highway or any mark showing the building or control line determined in
    respect of a highway has been destroyed, damaged, removed, displaced or otherwise
    tampered with, or that any damage to any highway or encroachment on any highway
    has been made.
  33. The Highway Authority may utilise temporarily for other than road purposes
    land forming part of a highway which is not immediately required for the passage
    of traffic, and dispose of the produce of such land.
  34. Any person wrongfully occupying any land,—
    (a) which is a part of a highway,
    (b) the occupation of which contravenes any of the provisions of this Act and
    the said provisions do not provide for the eviction of such person,
    shall be summarily evicted by the Collector in the manner provided in the Bombay
    City Land Revenue Act, 1876, or in the Bombay Land Revenue Code, 1879 1[or
    in any law relating to land revenue in force in any part of the State], as the case
    may be, on being required to do so by the Highway Authority or any officer
    authorised in this behalf by the State Government.
  35. (1) The Highway Authority or the officer authorised by the State Government
    in this behalf shall, if he desires to make any inquiry for the purpose of this Act,
    make the inquiry in the manner provided for holding a summary inquiry under the
    Bombay City Land Revenue Act, 1876, or the Bombay Land Revenue Code, 1879, 1[or under any law relating to land revenue in force in any part of the State] and
    all the provisions contained in the said Act or Code 2[or law] relating to the holding
    of a summary inquiry, shall, so far as may be, apply : 3[Provided that, wherein any such law, there is no provision for holding inquiry in
    a summary manner, such inquiry shall be held in such other manner as is provided
    in that law.]
    1 These words were inserted by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 9.
    2 These words were inserted ibid., s. 10(a).
    3 This proviso was added, ibid., s. 10(a)(ii).
    Bom.
    II of
    1876.
    Bom.
    V of
    1879.
    Bom.
    II of
    1876.
    Bom.
    V of
    1879.
    Power to
    campound
    offences.
    Powers and
    duties of
    police.
    Duties of
    village
    officials.
    Power to
    utilise
    highway for
    other than
    road
    purposes.
    Summary
    eviction.
    Inquiries to
    be held
    summarily.
    24 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
    (2) The Highway Authority and an officer authorised by the State Government
    or the Highway Authority under this Act shall have the same powers for summoning
    and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath and compelling
    the production of documents as are vested in the revenue officers under the Bombay
    City Land Revenue Act, 1876, or the Bombay Land Revenue Code, 1879 1[or under
    any law relating to land revenue in force in any part of the State.]
  36. (1) Nothing in the Indian Registration Act, 1908, shall be deemed to require
    the registration of any map made under section 8.
    (2) All such maps shall, for the purposes of sections 49 and 50 of the Indian
    Registration Act, 1908, be deemed to have been and to be registered in accordance
    with the provisions of that Act :
    Provided that the maps shall be accessible to the public in the manner prescribed.
  37. The Highway Authority, the officers and other persons authorised or appointed
    under this Act shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section
    21 of the Indian Penal Code.
  38. No Civil Court shall have jurisdiction to settle, decide or deal or with any
    question which is by or under this Act required to be settled, decided or dealt with
    by the Highway Authority, the Collector, an officer or person authorised under this
    Act, any Authority under section 35 or section 44 or the State Government.
  39. (1) No suit, prosecution or other legal proceedings shall be instituted against
    any public servant or officer or person duly authorised under this Act in respect of
    anything in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act, or the rules or
    orders made thereunder.
    (2) No suit or prosecution shall be instituted against any public servant or, officer
    or person duly authorised under this Act in respect of anything done or intended to
    be done under this Act, unless the suit or prosecution has been instituted within six
    months from the date of the act complained of.
  40. (1) Every notice or bill issued or prepared under this Act, may be served
    or presented,—
    (a) by delivering or tendering it or sending it by post to the person to whom
    it is addressed, or to his agent, or
    (b) if such a person or his agent is not found then by leaving it at his usual
    or last known place of abode or by delivering or tendering it to some adult male
    member of his family or by causing it to be fixed on some conspicuous part of
    the building or land, if any, to which it relates.
    (2) Where a notice under this Act is required to be served upon an owner or
    occupier of a building or land, it shall not be necessary to name the owner or
    occupier, and the service thereof may be effected either—
    (a) by delivering or tendering the notice or sending it by post to the owner or
    occupier or if there be more owners or occupiers than one, to any one of them, or
    (b) if no such owner or occupier is found, then by giving or tendering the notice
    to an adult male member or servant of his family or by causing the notice to be
    fixed on some conspicuous part of the building or land to which the same relates.
    1 These words were added by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 10(b).
    Bom.
    II of
    1876.
    Bom.
    V of
    1879.
    XVI
    of
    1908.
    XLV
    of
    1860.
    Registration
    of map
    made under
    section 8 not
    required.
    Certain
    persons to
    be public
    servants.
    Bar of
    jurisdiction.
    Protection
    of persons
    acting in
    good faith
    and limitation of
    suit or
    prosecution.
    Service of
    notices and
    bills.
    XVI
    of
    1908.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 25
    (3) Whenever the person to whom a notice or bill is to be served is a minor,
    service upon his guardian or upon an adult male member or servant of his family
    shall be deemed to be service upon the minor.
    †71. (1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, and
    subject to the condition of previous publication, make rules to carry out all or any
    of the purposes of this Act.
    (2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power,
    the State Government may make rules for all or any of the following matters :—
    (a) the manner in which the notification may be published in the Village and
    at the headquarters of the 1[taluka, tahsil or mahal] under sub-section (2) of
    section 7 ;
    (b) the other places at which copies of map may be open to inspection under
    section 8 ;
    (c) the form of application and is contents under sub-section (2) of section 9; 2[(d) other acts and things which may be done by the Land Acquisition Officer
    under section 16;
    (d-1) the manner in which the amount shall be deposited under section 19C;]
    (e) the conditions on which and the amount of rent or charge on payment of
    which encroachments may be made on a highway ;
    (f) the manner in which a reference shall be made under section 35 or 44 ;
    (g) fixation of the date on which the betterment charges shall be payable under
    section 47 and instalments together with the rate of interest and the period within
    which such instalments shall be paid under the proviso to the said section ;
    (h) the conditions on which any land may be relinquished or delivered in
    exchange in favour of the State Government under section 48 ;
    (i) rules subject to which any highway or portion of it may be closed to or
    any class of traffic or the number and speed or weight of vehicles using the
    highway may be regulated under section 50 ;
    (j) rules subject to which plying of vehicles may be prohibited under section 51 ; 3[(k) the prevention of danger arising from obstruction of view of persons
    using highway or from distraction of their attention, and the prevention of
    annoyance, danger or injury to the public ;]
    (l) the prevention of obstruction, encroachment and nuisances on or near and
    of damages to highways ;
    (m) the proper maintenance of boundary marks demarcating highway boundaries
    and building and control lines ;
    (n) the prescription of various forms of applications required to be made and
    the forms of notices and bills required to be served on persons, the charges to
    be made for the supply of copies of maps, and the rent or other charges to be
    imposed or leived under the provisions of this Act ;
    (o) the general guidance to the Highway Authority in the discharge of its
    functions under this Act ;
    (p) regulation or diversions of existing rights of access ;
    (q) any other matter which is to be or may be prescribed.
    † The rules made under the Bombay Highways Act, 1955, as in force in the Bombay area of the
    State of Maharashtra are hereby extended to the rest of that State (vide section 2 of Mah. 42
    of 1965).
    1 These words were substituted for the words “taluka or mahal” by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 11(e).
    2 These clauses were substituted for clause (d) by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 14.
    3 Clause (k) was substituted for the original, by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 11 (b).
    Power to
    make rules.
    26 Maharashtra Highways Act [1955 : Bom. LV
  41. (1) Subject to the provisions of this section, nothing in this Act shall affect—
    (a) the rights of any local authority to make any excavation for the purpose
    of laying, making, altering, repairing or renewing any sewer, drain, water course
    or other work ; or
    (b) the rights of any authority appointed under any law for the time being in
    force for gas or water, electricity, railways, tramways or trolly vehicles to erect
    any support or make any excavation for the purpose of laying, making, altering,
    repairing or renewing any main, pipe, sluice, weir, electric line, duct, drain or
    other apparatus ; or
    (c) any land belonging to a railway administration or belonging to or used by
    a person holding a licence or sanction for the generation, transformation or
    distribution of electricity under the Indian Electricity Act, 1910, when such land
    is held or used by the railway administration or such person, as the case may be,
    for the purpose of its railway or for generation, transformation or distribution of
    electricity, except in so far as they may consent thereto ; or
    (d) any land within the limits of a cantonment or a port declared by or under
    any law made by Parliament or existing law to be a major port ;
    (e) any land within the jurisdiction of a local authority under the administrative
    control of the Central Government :
    Provided that—
    (i) any restrictions in force under section 9 as to construction, formation or
    laying out of means of access to, or from, any road, shall without any such
    consent as aforesaid, extend to any such land as is specified in clause (c) in so
    far as the restrictions relate to means of access over or under such land to, or
    from, land other than land so specified ; and
    (ii) any consent required for the purposes of this section shall not be
    unreasonably withheld and the question whether or not the consent so required
    is unreasonably withheld shall be determined by the State Government and the
    decision of the State Government on the question shall be final.
    (2) Nothing in this Act shall affect any powers and duties of the telegraph
    authority under the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
    1* * * * * * * *
  42. Save as provided in section 72, the provisions of this Act or rules made
    thereunder in regard to any matter dealt with thereby shall prevail over the provisions
    of any other law made by the State Legislature or any law which the State Legislature
    is competent to make or to amend, in so far as such law is inconsistent with the said
    provisions or rules, and such law to the extent of such inconsistency shall cease to
    apply or shall not apply to any such matter.
    1 This Explanation was deleted by Mah. 37 of 1999, s. 15.
    Savings.
    Provisions
    of this Act
    or rules to
    prevail over
    inconsistent
    provisions in
    other laws.
    IX of
    1910.
    XIII of
    1885.
    1955 : Bom. LV] Maharashtra Highways Act 27
  43. For the avoidance of doubt it is hereby declared that nothing in this Act shall
    apply to highways which are or have been declared by or under any law made by
    Parliament to be national highway :
    Provided that if any highway is declared to be a national highway by or under
    any law made by Parliament, it shall be lawful for the State Government to fix
    2* * * * the building and control lines for different portions of
    the said highway under section 7 3[or to levy betterment charges under section 42
    on lands the value of which has increased by reason of the construction or proposed
    construction of such highway ;] and thereafter the provisions of this Act in so far
    as they apply to the restrictions on buildings between the highway boundary and the
    building line or between the building line and the control line and other provisions
    relating to such building and control lines 4[or as the case may be, the provisions
    of this Act relating to the levy of betterment charges shall, mutatis mutandis, apply.]
    5[75. (1) On the commencement of the Bombay Highways (Extension and
    Amendment) Act, 1965, the Central Provinces and Berar Regulation of Uses of
    Land Act, 1948, shall stand repealed :
    Provided that anything done or action taken (including any notifications or
    licences issued, plans deposited, or restrictions imposed, applications and rules made,
    permissions given, or compensation awarded) under the aforesaid Act shall, in so
    far as it is not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, be deemed to have been
    done or taken under the corresponding provisions of this Act, and shall contiune in
    force accordingly, unless and until superseded by anything done or any action taken
    under this Act.
    (2) The mention of particular matters in this section shall not affect the general
    application to this Act of section 7 of the Bombay General Clauses Act, 1904 (which
    relates to the effect of repeals).]
    SCHEDULE
    (Deleted by Mah. 24 of 1947, s. 4)
    H 166-3360 Bks.*-11.2013
    PRINTED AT THE GOVERNMENT PRESS, KOLHAPUR.
    1 These words were added by Mah. 42 of 1965, s. 13(d).
    2 The words “or not to fix” were deleted, ibid., s. 13(a).
    3 These words were inserted, ibid., s. 13(b).
    4 These words were substituted for the words “shall mutatis mutandis apply”, ibid., s. 13(c).
    5 Section 75 was inserted, ibid., s. 14.
    Mah.
    XLII
    of
    1965.
    C. P.
    and
    Berar
    Act
    XLVII
    of
    1948.
    Bom.
    I of
    1904.
    Building and
    Control lines
    along
    national
    highways
    1[and levy
    of betterment
    charges].
    Repeal and
    saving.
    Maharashtra Government Publications
    can be obtained from–
     THE DIRECTOR
    GOVERNMENT PRINTING, STATIONERY AND PUBLICATIONS
    (Publications Branch), Netaji Subhash Road,
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    Phone 23632693
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    H 166