The Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Uttarakhand High Court to expeditiously decide two pending petitions filed by aviation firm Deccan Charters Pvt Ltd challenging the repeated temporary acquisition of its private helipad at Govind Ghat by the state government. The Court asked that the matters be listed in the week commencing March 9, 2026 and disposed of within two months.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pancholi instructed the Registrar General of the Uttarakhand High Court at Nainital to obtain directions from the Chief Justice for listing the petitions before an appropriate bench. The Court noted the upcoming Char Dham Yatra and observed that if the High Court does not decide the pleas within the stipulated time, the petitioner would be at liberty to seek revival of the proceedings before the Supreme Court.
Deccan Charters, which has operated helicopter shuttle services for the Shri Hemkund Sahibji Yatra since 2011, holds a lease over the Govind Ghat helipad in Chamoli district valid until March 2027. The company has alleged that since May 2024 the state administration has repeatedly taken over the helipad under the guise of temporary acquisition for the Yatra season.
According to the plea, the first such acquisition was carried out on May 23, 2024 and was challenged before the Uttarakhand High Court. While that petition was still pending, the state issued a second order on June 27, 2025 for another six-month acquisition.
The firm contends that the state authorities forcibly took possession of the helipad, “broke the locks”, and handed over the facility—constructed and maintained by it—to Pawan Hans Limited for commercial operations.
The petitioner has described the repeated takeovers as “illegal, unabated, and unconstitutional”, alleging that the state bypassed due process and misused the power of eminent domain without following the mandatory procedure under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.
It has sought quashing of the acquisition orders dated May 23, 2024 and June 27, 2025, restoration of possession of the helipad, and compensation for losses. The company has claimed damages at the rate of ₹5,000 per landing conducted by Pawan Hans during the period of what it terms “illegal acquisition”.
The plea also alleges that despite multiple urgent mentions, the High Court has not adjudicated the matter.
Taking note of the recurring nature of the dispute and the approaching Yatra season scheduled to begin in May 2026, the Supreme Court directed the High Court to hear and decide the petitions within two months of listing.
The Court clarified that if the petitions are not disposed of within the prescribed time, Deccan Charters would be free to approach the Supreme Court again.
The merits of the dispute between the aviation firm and the state government are yet to be examined by the Uttarakhand High Court.
