Reopening of HAL airport: HC refuses to intervene

The High Court on Wednesday dismissed petitions that sought its directions for reopening the HAL airport in the City, stating that the court would not interfere in a policy decision taken by the government.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice S K Mukherjee and Justice B V Nagarathna dismissed the petitions filed by the Airport Authority Employees’ Union and the Association of Outsourcing Professionals.

The petitioners had sought directions to reopen and operate the HAL airport for commercial schedule and to hand over the airport operations to the Airports Authority of India.

The bench, in its order, stated that it cannot strike down a policy decision taken consciously by the government merely because a more fair and wise policy could have been adopted. “In certain matters, there can be varied options as to the wisdom of the policy but the court is not expected to sit as an appellate authority,” it said.

Building byelaw violation

The High Court has disposed of a PIL that argued that a high-rise on Mountain Road, Byrasandra, was built by violating building bye-laws and the plan sanctioned by the BBMP.

The petitioners also contended the high-rise was built in violation of fire safety norms.

A division bench headed by acting Chief Justice S K Mukherjee directed the BWSSB to use the money deposited by the builder for protecting the water lines on Mountain Road. It also directed the BBMP to ensure that Mountain Road is kept in good condition. The builder was directed to take all necessary measures for the safety of residents.