The Bombay High Court has dismissed a plea by the Air India Colony staff association to maintain the status quo for two weeks until the Supreme Court addresses the matter on February 13. The association sought to preserve the current state pending further judicial review. However, the court rejected their request, indicating a swift decision on the issue of demolition of vacant buildings. This development points to the legal proceedings progressing quickly, potentially leading to imminent action regarding the disputed buildings.
In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court dismissed a plea filed by the Air India Staff Colony Association, alleging illegal demolition activities by Mumbai International Airport Limited (MIAL) at the Air India colony in Kalina, Suburban Mumbai. The court upheld MIAL's commitment to demolish only 19 unoccupied buildings while assuring due care for occupied structures, including schools within the premises.
Rejecting the association's request for a two-week status quo extension until the Supreme Court's hearing on February 13, the court emphasized the limited rights of employees as licensees of the apartments, and that it is tied to their service contracts. MIAL reiterated its adherence to legal procedures, ensuring minimal disruption to occupants, prioritizing human safety, and maintaining essential services like water and electricity.
Earlier, MIAL had pledged no coercive action against the 19 structures until February 2, with the court extending the status quo till February 5. Justice Rajesh N Laddha's single-judge bench delivered the order, denying the association's appeal.
The Air India Colony, sprawling across 184 acres, houses 350 families employed by the airline, opposing the handover. MIAL's demolition initiative sparked protests among Air India employees, as MIAL aims to expand the airport on the state government-owned land previously leased to the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and then to Air India.
MIAL, represented by senior advocate Vikram Nankani, argued the necessity of the land for airport expansion, assuring no harm to the 310 families residing in other structures. The association, represented by advocate Ashok Shetty, accused MIAL of disregarding last year's Supreme Court stay order on the colony's demolition and deploying bouncers to intimidate people.
Tata Sons-owned Air India, supported by advocate Aditya Mehta, endorsed MIAL's stance, denying the association's allegations. They emphasized providing benefits and assistance to employees vacating flats, including support for rental accommodations and school admissions for their children.
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