HP High Court Takes Suo Motu Cognizance Over Irregular Flights, Seeks Response from Centre and State
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken suo motu cognizance of the irregular operation of flights from the state’s airports and expressed strong displeasure. The court has made the Secretary of the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation a respondent in the matter, directing them to provide all necessary details. The state government has also been asked to file a status report explaining the steps taken to ensure regular air services.
The case originally stemmed from the issue of bird menace at Kangra’s Gaggal Airport. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj observed that despite having airports in Shimla, Kullu, and Kangra, the central government has failed to make adequate arrangements for regular flights.
The court noted that Himachal is a hill state where transportation is already difficult, and tourism remains a major source of income, making regular air connectivity vital. It was also informed that only a single hopping flight operates between Shimla and Kullu, and that too irregularly.
The High Court has directed the state government to ensure regular air services, and the next hearing is scheduled for December 16.
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