Bombay High Court Warns Officials Over Inaction on Illegal High-Rises Near Mumbai Airport, Orders Swift Action or Face Consequences

Mumbai, 7th May 2025: The Bombay High Court has sharply criticized Mumbai suburban district officials for failing to act decisively against high-rise buildings violating height restrictions around Mumbai’s international airport, warning that further inaction will have serious consequences. The court, led by Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makrand Karnik, directed authorities to take concrete steps against structures that pose safety risks to aircraft by exceeding permissible height limits, and to submit a detailed action report by June 18.

This order follows a public interest litigation filed by advocate Yeshwanth Shenoy, highlighting the proliferation of unauthorized multi-storey buildings near the airport that threaten flight safety. The court noted that despite previous directives and even demolition orders from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) dating back a decade, officials had failed to remove illegal constructions, allowing the problem to worsen over the years.

During the hearing, government counsel informed the bench that demolition proceedings had begun against five of eight identified illegal structures, with the DGCA instructing action on two more within 60 days. The court, however, stressed that authorities cannot delay enforcement, especially given past incidents such as the 2018 Ghatkopar plane crash, which underscored the potential danger of such obstructions.

While the court acknowledged that due legal process must be followed before demolishing unauthorized buildings, it reiterated that the state must act with urgency and seriousness to safeguard public safety. The High Court’s warning makes clear that continued negligence in enforcing airport height norms will not be tolerated, and that officials will be held accountable for any lapses.