The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has asked the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to examine allegations that passengers using the parking facility at Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport are being unfairly charged parking fees because of traffic congestion at the exit gate.
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode directed the AAI to decide a representation submitted by petitioner Pratik Kubde within eight weeks.
Kubde, a frequent air traveller, approached the High Court claiming that motorists are being penalised for delays beyond their control. He pointed out that while the airport offers five minutes of free parking, vehicles often get stuck in long queues at the lone manned exit gate, making it impossible to leave within the stipulated time.
According to the petition, passengers usually complete pick-up or drop-off activities within the free parking period. However, heavy congestion near the exit barrier results in vehicles remaining inside the parking area for longer, automatically attracting a parking fee of Rs 141.
The petitioner argued that the delay is caused by inadequate traffic management at the exit gate, which is under the control of the airport authorities. Imposing parking charges on motorists for time lost in an exit queue, he contended, is arbitrary and unjust. Seeking relief, Kubde requested that the disputed parking charge be withdrawn and appropriate measures be taken to ensure that passengers are not billed for delays caused solely by congestion at the airport’s exit.
After hearing the submissions, the High Court directed the Airports Authority of India to consider the complaint and pass a reasoned decision within eight weeks.
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