HC notice to Centre on land allotment to DIAL at airport

The Delhi high court today sought an explanation from the Union government on a PIL alleging allotment of 190 acres of IGI airport land to DIAL, a private consortium, at a "throw-away" price causing huge losses to the exchequer.

The Delhi high court on Wednesday sought an explanation from the Union government on a PIL alleging allotment of 190 acres of IGI airport land to DIAL, a private consortium, at a "throw-away" price causing huge losses to the exchequer.

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A bench of Chief Justice D Murugesan and Rajiv Sahai Endlaw issued notices to the civil aviation ministry, the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and sought their replies by October 31.

Seeking the quashing of land allotment to DIAL at IGI airport, the PIL demanded a CBI probe into the matter.

"What actions have been taken so far after the CAG filed its report"? the bench said and asked Additional Solicitor General Rajiv Mehra to inform the court by the next date of hearing and posted the matter for October 31.

The PIL was filed by an NGO, Youth Against Corruption.

The court's direction came after the government counsel submitted that Parliament's Public Accounts Committee (PAC) is looking into the issue and the court should not entertain the PIL at this stage.

"You respond to the allegations through an affidavit. If you say that PAC is seized of the matter, then we will pass the order accordingly," the bench said.