Court respite for Zirakpur residents facing demolition : The Tribune India

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Bangkok flight

Court respite for Zirakpur residents facing demolition

CHANDIGARH: Just about a fortnight after the Punjab and Haryana High Court took a serious view of discontinuation and non-resumption of Air India’s flight to Bangkok, the Bench today expressed dissatisfaction with its reply before asking its Executive Director (Operations) to be present for rendering assistance.



Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, October 16

Just about a fortnight after the Punjab and Haryana High Court took a serious view of discontinuation and non-resumption of Air India’s flight to Bangkok, the Bench today expressed dissatisfaction with its reply before asking its Executive Director (Operations) to be present for rendering assistance.

The Bench of Chief Justice Krishna Murari and Justice Arun Palli also gave respite to the residents issued notice by the Zirakpur Municipal Council for demolition of buildings allegedly erected in the restricted zone near the Chandigarh Air Force Station. The Bench also made it clear that demolition was never ordered by it, while adding that action was directed to be taken only against illegal structures in accordance with law.

Taking up the petition filed in public interest for making the international airport fully functional, the Bench asked Air India counsel: “Why Chandigarh alone? Why don’t you shut down your operations in the entire country? Your Executive Director does not understand the importance of the Chandigarh airport. Despite categorical directions, he has not filed an affidavit as per the orders,” the Bench asserted

Responding to a request by the Air India counsel against summoning the Executive Director, the Bench asserted the intent was to have his assistance. It could not be construed as punishment or contempt. The Bench, at the same time, verbally added that it would not hesitate in issuing bailable warrants to ensure his presence in case he failed to turn up on November 1 when the case would come up for resumed hearing.

The Bench, on September 26, had asked Air India to file an affidavit giving out the complete details of its flight schedule on various sectors, along with details of the load factor and the profitability of the flights. 

The airlines was also asked to specify the profitability and load factor of the Chandigarh-Bangkok flight, withdrawn in June. The affidavit filed by Air India said its Chandigarh-Bangkok flight accumulated an estimated loss of around Rs 8.79 crore while having an average seat factor of 59.5 per cent from April-July 2018.

Objecting to the claims, Assistant Solicitor General of India Chetan Mittal said Air India sold only 80 seats of the 100. If the occupancy was about 65 per cent of 80 seats, the flight could not be said to be in losses. 

Taking up the issue of demolition, the Bench directed the Zirakpur MC to examine the replies received by it from the residents in response to the demolition notice. It was told to issue a fresh notice to other residents raising buildings in the restricted zone before taking a decision in accordance with law. Directions were issued for submission of a status report on the demolition. The Bench made it clear that the officials responsible for demolishing buildings unlawfully would have to compensate from their pocket.

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