HC allows drag race on Jakkur Aerodrome premises

The High Court of Karnataka on Friday directed the government to make an arrangement wherein the interests of all parties can be protected while conducting drag race at the Jakkur Aerodrome.

Justice A S Bopanna was hearing a petition filed by Agni Aero Sports Adventure Academy Pvt Ltd, which is operating on the Jakkur aerodrome campus, questioning the use of the aerodrome for non-aviation activities.

The state authorities have granted permission to the Geneva Services to conduct the drag race on the aerodrome premises on December 9 and 10.

Justice A S Bopanna asked to call a meeting of Additional Chief Secretary to Government Youth, Empowerment and Sports Department with Geneva Services and Agni Aero Sports Adventure Academy  later in the day to work on a schedule for aviation activities for the two days on which the race will be conducted.

The bench also directed to regulate the manner in which various activities are conducted and to schedule the activities in a mutual manner for the benefit of all parties involved.
Such scheduling should be adhered to by all the parties, it said.

The bench observed that since the government officials have already granted the permission for the race and preparations have been already made, it will not restrain the Geneva Services from conducting the race at this juncture.

According to the petitioner, a designated aerodrome should be used only for flying activities and not for non-aviation activities like drag racing which could pose a threat to the infrastructure or runway of the aerodrome.

Later in the day, at the meeting, the petitioner submitted a letter citing that they need the aerodrome space from 7 am to 1 pm for aviation activities. They are yet to receive any response from the government.