Read Time: 06 minutes

Synopsis

The Meghalaya High Court has urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to consider implementing direct flights between Shillong and Bhopal on Fridays and Sundays, stressing the importance of such flights for the convenience of judges and officials frequently traveling to Bhopal for engagements at the National Judicial Academy.

The bench led by Chief Justice S Vaidyanathan and also comprising Justice W Diengdoh, emphasised the national interest in ensuring the availability of connecting flights to Bhopal from major cities like Chennai, Kerala, Kolkata, Guwahati, and Shillong on the specified days.

The court observed, “Bhopal is the capital of Madhya Pradesh which is the centre of India. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to the city of lakes. For example, almost every week sitting Judges and judicial officers are going to Bhopal where the National Judicial Academy is situated and conferences are held on Saturday and Sunday.”

The bench expressed its expectation for AAI to ensure at least hopping flights to Bhopal from major cities, stating that “Every citizen of this Country must visit the ‘city of lakes’ to know how the waterbody is protected.”

The bench underscored how the lack of direct flights forces them to opt for longer routes via Delhi from Guwahati, resulting in increased travel time, fuel consumption, and financial costs.

The court highlighted the feasibility of introducing flights from various metros via Bhopal, citing the successful operation of small aircraft carrying 96 passengers between Shillong and Delhi. Additionally, it emphasised the potential benefits for tourism in Shillong and advocated for increased availability of small aircraft to promote tourism.

The High Court is actively engaged in discussions regarding the development and expansion of facilities at the Shillong Airport, located approximately an hour's drive from the city center in Umroi. Recent inspections revealed the need to widen the runway to accommodate larger aircraft carrying more than 200 passengers.

In a notable move, the judges are planning visits to three other airports, including those in Bhutan, Leh, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, to gather first-hand information on their physical and technical specifications.

The court issued a direction in this regard stating that, “Airports Authority of India shall arrange proper facilities for smooth visitation and inspection of the Airports at the three places, namely, Leh, Bhutan, and Andaman and Nicobar and also expect that the AAI should take necessary consent from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, New Delhi to take up the matter with the Bhutan Government so that we can inspect the Paro International Airport.”

Citing Order 18 Rule 18 of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), the High Court asserted its authority to inspect various aerodromes, akin to a civil court's power to inspect a site in question. This inspection aims to facilitate improvements at the Shillong Airport, specifically to accommodate the landing of larger aircraft.

The case is scheduled for further proceedings on April 29, with the expectation that officials of the State and AAI will visit the identified airports from April 10 to April 18, 2024.

 

Cause Title: Registrar General vs State of Meghalaya [PIL No. 4 of 2021]