Overview
- The Lucknow bench dismissed the petition on April 15, saying courts cannot legitimize collection of ‘badhai’ money without a law to allow it.
- The petitioner, Rekha Devi from Gonda, had asked for an exclusive stretch from Kati ka Pul in Jarwal to the Saryu Bridge in Colonelganj to avoid clashes with rival groups.
- The judges said Article 226 does not let courts create rights to collect money and that only taxes or fees set by law may be charged.
- The bench noted the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 does not grant any right to collect ‘badhai’, while a 2026 bill on gender determination is still under consideration in Parliament.
- The court warned that blessing such collections could open the door to illegal extortion and invite charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.