 "The Supreme Court upheld GMR Airports’ operation of Nagpur Airport, dismissing curative petitions by the Centre and AAI.")
The Supreme Court has closed the curative petitions from the Centre and Airports Authority of India regarding its 2022 decision that allows GMR Airports to upgrade and operate Nagpur’s Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. The Court’s ruling confirmed GMR Airports’ rights to manage the airport. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Centre, argued that there were no valid grounds for bias or lack of hearing in the initial decision. The court agreed to clarify that the earlier observation stating the Union and AAI are not necessary parties in such contracts is not correct. This case stems from a previous ruling by the Bombay High Court that upheld GMR’s operational rights, which the Supreme Court had affirmed in May 2022.
The Supreme Court of India has recently closed the curative petitions filed by the Centre and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) regarding the operation of Nagpur’s Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. This decision allows GMR Airports to continue managing and upgrading the airport, after a favorable ruling by the court in 2022.
On Friday, the court deliberated on the arguments presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who stated that the curative petitions did not meet the required legal standards, such as demonstrating bias or a lack of proper hearing. He emphasized that the Union of India and AAI might not necessarily be considered essential parties in such cases. The Supreme Court agreed to clarify that this point would not be a binding precedent for future cases.
The High Court initially ruled in GMR’s favor, recognizing their right to operate the airport. Following an unsuccessful review petition, AAI’s attempt to challenge the ruling led to the filing of these curative petitions, which the court has now rejected.
This ruling not only confirms GMR Airports’ authority over the airport operations but also sets a significant legal precedent for future contracts involving government entities. As the legal landscape evolves, both the AAI and the Union of India will need to navigate potential implications for similar agreements.
Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Last Updated: September 27, 2024 | 10:57 PM IST
Tags: Supreme Court, Airports Authority of India, GMR Airports, Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport, legal ruling, aviation news
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What does it mean that GMR can run Nagpur Airport?
It means that GMR Group has been given permission to manage and operate the Nagpur Airport. -
Why were the curative petitions dismissed?
The curative petitions from the Centre and AAI were dismissed because the court did not find enough reason to change its earlier decision regarding airport operations. -
Who is GMR Group?
GMR Group is a major company in India that develops and operates airports, among other businesses in infrastructure and energy. -
What is a curative petition?
A curative petition is a legal request made to the Supreme Court to reconsider its decision in a case if someone believes there’s been a mistake. - How does this decision affect passengers using Nagpur Airport?
The decision could lead to improvements in airport services and facilities, potentially making travel more convenient for passengers.
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