The Supreme Court of India recently dismissed an appeal by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) that challenged a Bombay High Court ruling. The case centers around a slum rehabilitation project in Chembur, Mumbai, where developers sought permission to construct buildings up to 84.92 meters above mean sea level (AMSL).

AAI had refused to grant the required height clearance, citing procedural lapses and updated aviation norms. However, the Bombay High Court found that these grounds were unjustified, particularly since the project had earlier received in-principle approval and serves a significant public purpose—rehabilitating around 700 slum dwellers.

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court’s judgment, emphasizing that minor bureaucratic objections should not stall crucial public welfare initiatives. This decision sets an important precedent regarding how aviation safety norms intersect with urban housing development, especially in dense cities like Mumbai.

TIMES OF INDIA

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