Why is AAI's decision relaxing height restriction for buildings near Navi Mumbai airport illegal? HC asks petitioner
The Hindu
The court was told last week that the AAI has decided to lift the height restrictions for buildings in the vicinity of the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport from 55.1 metres up to 160 metres
The Bombay High Court on Monday asked why the Airports Authority of India's decision to relax height restrictions from 55.10 metres to 160 metres for buildings in the vicinity of the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport was illegal and in violation of law.
A division bench of Chief Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice M.S. Karnik directed advocate Yashwant Shenoy, who filed a public interest litigation (PIL) raising concern over dangers posed by high rises near the Mumbai airport, to indicate why the AAI's decision was bad in law.
The court said while Mr. Shenoy has made oral arguments that the AAI's decision is not correct, it has failed to trace any pleading made on paper indicating the same was in violation of any statutory provisions.
The court was also bemused that even before the airport (Navi Mumbai) has been constructed, buildings have been granted clearance for construction.
"What is amusing us is that the airport is yet to come up, but buildings are coming up first. Ideally, the airport should come up first and then buildings," Chief Justice Datta said.
"Even before the airport has come up, you (authorities) want to have all constructions done. If you make it so tight, doesn't it raise concerns? Development is needed but not at the risk of people," Justice Karnik remarked.
Mr. Shenoy last week told the court that the AAI has decided to lift the height restrictions for buildings in the vicinity of the proposed Navi Mumbai International Airport from 55.1 metres up to 160 metres.
The saffron shawl-hijab controversy reignites in Karnataka's Haveri district as students protest non-compliance of uniform code in college.
Traffic restrictions in Delhi during Putin's visit on December 5, 2025, require commuters to plan alternative routes.
Chaos continues at Hyderabad's RGIA as IndiGo cancels 92 flights, bringing total cancellations to 197 in three days.
Karnataka High Court cancels third round MBBS allotment list, instructs KEA to restart the admission process for 2025-26.
Rahul Gandhi blames the IndiGo fiasco on the government's monopoly model, impacting ordinary Indians with travel disruptions and cancellations.
A Microsoft spokesperson said: "Our customers own their data and the actions taken by this customer to transfer their data in August was their choice."
IndiGo faces ongoing flight cancellations, with Delhi departures halted until 3 p.m. on December 5, 2025, amid operational disruptions.
Power outage in east Bengaluru on December 6 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for essential maintenance by BESCOM.
Explore the rich history and flavors of Madurai's iconic kari dosa, a beloved dish bridging generations through spice and nostalgia.
Mamata Banerjee asserts President's rule would have been imposed without SIR, urging communal harmony and rejecting NRC in West Bengal.
Metro services disrupted in Bengaluru after a man jumped on the track, resulting in a fatal incident on December 5.
A Sabarimala pilgrim bus collided with a school bus in Kottayam, injuring one devotee; children and teacher unharmed.
Ultraviolette secures $45 million from Zoho and Lingotto to enhance electric motorcycle production and expand market reach.