Meghalaya High Court Orders State to Expedite Land Acquisition for Shillong Airport Expansion
Safiya Malik
The Meghalaya High Court directed the State Government and the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to expedite the development and expansion of Shillong Airport, including the extension of its runway, infrastructure improvements, and other facilities. The court set a three-month deadline for acquiring and handing over the required land to the AAI, followed by the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive development plan.
The public interest litigation (PIL) was filed to address the long-standing issues related to the development of Shillong Airport. The case focused on the extension of the runway and the construction of facilities necessary to support larger aircraft operations, improve passenger and cargo handling, and promote economic and tourism development in Meghalaya.
The bench, comprising Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh, noted the strategic importance of the airport’s expansion. The court recorded: “In our view, this development of the Shillong Airport is key to advancement of this State in all respects. It could facilitate the operation of larger, heavier and more sophisticated jet aircrafts, carrying both passengers and cargo. This would further the economic and tourism development of the State.”
The petitioner, represented by Amicus Curiae P. Yobin and Advocate A. Dkhar, argued for the urgent resolution of the issues delaying the airport’s development. They stated that the airport’s development is essential for Meghalaya’s growth and requested prompt intervention to resolve issues related to land acquisition and planning.
The Advocate General for Meghalaya, A. Kumar, informed the court that steps had been initiated to acquire the requisite land. However, the land had not yet been handed over to the AAI, causing delays in the airport expansion project. The Deputy Solicitor General of India, Dr. N. Mozika, appearing on behalf of the AAI, submitted that the Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was considering the proposed expansion plan in collaboration with the AAI.
In response to the Amicus Curiae's suggestion to issue a separate notice to the DGCA, Dr. Mozika clarified that the DGCA and AAI were already coordinating on the project, making a separate notice unnecessary.
The court expressed concern over the prolonged delays and underscored the necessity of taking immediate steps to ensure progress. It stated: “We are of the view that it is high time that concrete steps are taken for extension of the runway, development of infrastructure and other facilities, and overall expansion of this Shillong Airport.”
The court noted the coordination between the DGCA and AAI and stated that their timely approval and implementation of the development plan after land acquisition was necessary.
The court issued the following directions to expedite the project:
- The State Government was directed to acquire the requisite land and hand it over to the AAI within three months from the date of the order (December 16, 2024).
- The DGCA and AAI were instructed to finalize and implement a development plan within three months of receiving the land.
- Both the State Government and the AAI were ordered to submit a detailed action-taken report by April 14, 2025, outlining the progress made.
The court scheduled the next hearing for April 14, 2025, to review the reports submitted by the respondents. It directed that all necessary steps be undertaken within the specified timelines to avoid further delays in the airport’s expansion.
Case Title: Registrar General, High Court of Meghalaya v. State of Meghalaya & Ors.
Case Number: PIL No. 4 of 2021 with MC(PIL) No. 2 of 2021
Bench: Chief Justice I.P. Mukerji and Justice W. Diengdoh
[Read/Download order]
