MIAL, AAI asked about airport’s security

Mumbai: The Bombay high court on Thursday asked the Mumbai international Airport Authority limited (MIAL) and Airport Authority of India (AAI) to file an affidavit regarding security of Mumbai airport. The court also asked MIAL and AAI to explain how they monitored the area around the airport and how allowed contractual labourers inside the airport.

A division bench of justice R.M. Sawant and justice Sadhana Jadhav was hearing a petition filed by advocate Yashwant Shenoy showing security lapses in the Mumbai airport vicinity. Mr Shenoy said that one contractual labour was given two identity cards to enter the airport. He also brought to the notice of the HC that the air traffic control tower (ATC) was situated in a public place and could be attacked by anyone.

The bench agreed with the petitioner and said, “We travel all over the country and only CISF people check you and there is always a long queue behind you.”

After hearing the petitioner, the bench said, “Cargo employees are working there and with mere identity cards they can enter the premises. Anyone can make passes and go inside.”

The court also told MIAL and AAI to take the petition positively and implement changes wherever necessary. The court told MIAL and AAI, “While filing replies, please don’t give explanations paragraph wise. Tell us what steps you have taken from the security point of view.”