Supreme Court Seeks Solicitor General's Views on Nagpur Airport Case

The Supreme Court requested the solicitor general's opinions on a curative plea by the Centre and AAI against its earlier decision allowing GMR Airports to upgrade and operate Nagpur’s Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. This follows the May 2022 ruling by the Bombay High Court favoring GMR Airports.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday requested the solicitor general's perspective regarding the curative plea by the Centre and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). The plea challenges the court's previous ruling which allowed GMR Airports to upgrade and manage Nagpur’s Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport.

On May 9, 2022, the court upheld a Bombay High Court decision that nullified a March 2020 joint venture firm communication. The message canceled GMR Airports' contract for the airport's upgradation and operation, but the Centre and AAI have since filed a curative petition against this verdict.

A four-judge panel led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud reviewed the plea in an open court session, emphasizing its significant financial stakes. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta was requested for his neutral evaluation, not as a government representative but as a judicial officer, with the bench noting the necessity to balance state and private interests.