The Hindu : Karnataka News : Advocate moves Court to retain HAL Airport

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Tuesday, Feb 12, 2008
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Karnataka

Karnataka

Advocate moves Court to retain HAL Airport

Staff Reporter

BANGALORE: An advocate from Bangalore on Monday petitioned the Karnataka High Court against the proposed closure of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Airport from March 28/29.

The advocate had also sought a direction from the court to the Civil Aviation Ministry to permit him and scores of other passengers to use HAL Airport for short-haul domestic flights to cities such as Chennai and Hyderabad.

The advocate, G.R. Mohan of Rajajinagar, said once the International Airport at Devanahalli becomes operational on March 28/29, all international and domestic flights would be shifted from HAL to the International Airport.

Quoting reports, Mr. Mohan said the promoters of the new airport, Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), had decided to levy a used development fee (UDF) of Rs. 955 for international passengers.

He said the closure of the HAL Airport would put passengers into hardship as they would have to travel 40 km to reach the new airport. Travel from Bangalore to nearby cities such as Chennai and Hyderabad takes less than one hour. However, the travel time from Bangalore to the new airport would take a minimum of three hours.

He also said that no other international airport was levying UDF and that such a levy would burden the passengers.

Justice Ananda Byrareddy, who heard the petition, said it was more in the nature of public interest and directed it to be posted before an appropriate Division Bench.

Nomination opposed

A Bangalore-based doctor on Monday petitioned the Karnataka High Court against the nomination of Dr. C. Manjunath, Director of Jayadeva Hospital, as member from the State to the Medical Council of India (MCI).

In his petition, M.G. Bandelkar, said he is a doctor by profession and that he also wanted to be appointed as member of the MCI. He alleged that Dr. Manjunath was nominated by the Joint Director of Health and Family Welfare as member from Karnataka to the MCI.

He alleged that the action of the Joint Director was illegal, unlawful and unconstitutional. The nomination also violates the provision of IMC Act of 1956.

He urged the court to quash the nomination, saying that many doctors were agitated by the nomination of Dr. Manjunath to the MCI. Justice Anand Byrareddy said any nomination to the MCI would be subject to the result of the writ petition and adjourned further hearing on the case.

Disposed

Justice Anand Byrareddy disposed off a petition by writer Baraguru Ramachandrappa who had challenged the constitution of the selection committee for selection of films for film awards 2006-07.

He said the awards announced by the committee is in violation of the rules and guidelines framed by the Government. The case was disposed off in the light of the statement by the Government on the rules and regulations relating to film awards and constitution of the committee.

Challenged

A Division Bench comprising Justice Deepak Verma and Justice K.L. Manjunath on Monday adjourned further hearing on an appeal by Tyco Electronics India Private limited. The company located at TE Park in Doddaanekundi, Whitefield, had challenged the decision of the Assessment Authority (Commercial Tax Department) in levying tax on various computer-related products such as patch panels, cables, cords, jaw panels and screws. The company said these products should not be taxed.

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