The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the use of the ‘GMR’ name in connection with Indira Gandhi International (IGI) Airport, contending that the airport is operated by Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL) and not directly by GMR.

A Bench led by the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court issued notice and directed AAI to file its counter affidavit in the matter.

The petitioner has alleged that the use of the GMR name in association with the airport is misleading, arguing that the concessionaire responsible for operating IGI Airport is DIAL and not GMR directly.

During the hearing, questions were also raised regarding the maintainability of the PIL and the locus standi of the petitioner in approaching the court on the issue. The respondents indicated that the petitioner’s standing to file the petition would be contested.

Taking note of the submissions, the Court directed AAI to place its response on record and listed the matter for further consideration after the filing of the counter affidavit.

Mr Rajiv Nayyar appeared for DIAL.