Court ruled DIAL is entitled to charge Rs 150 from commercial vehicles entering arrival area of T3.
The Delhi High Court today held that Delhi International Airport Ltd (DIAL) was entitled to charge Rs 150 from commercial vehicles entering the arrival area of terminal 3 of the IGI airport to pick up passengers to "discourage overcrowding, touting or nuisance".
Justice Manmohan, however, directed DIAL to show the entire revenue generated from the fee as a separate entry in its balance sheet and to use it to improve infrastructure at the airport.
The court was of the view that amount of Rs 150 for eight minutes was not a fee or tax, rather it was a parking and usage charge which any airport was entitled to levy.
"This court is of the view that a parking charge can certainly be levied by respondent 2 DIAL to discourage overcrowding, touting or nuisance. This court is further of the opinion that the entry fee of Rs 150 for eight minutes is neither a tax nor a fee.
"It is actually a parking and usage charge which any airport is entitled to charge. In any event, to put the matter beyond controversy, it is directed that respondent 2 shall show the entire revenue generated from the entry fee as a separate entry in its balance sheet and use this revenue for improvement of infrastructure at the airport," the court said.
The ruling came while dismissing app-based taxi company Magic Sewa's plea challenging levy of the Rs 150 amount as well as award of licence to Easy, Meru and Mega Taxi to enter a lane in the arrival area to pick up passsengers.
The court observed that DIAL's decision to enter into licence agreements with three successful bidders -- Easy, Meru and Mega taxis -- "for round-the-clock cab service with higher standards of service quality was reasonable, fair and cannot be faulted with as it ensures that reliable and dependable sources provide the essential facility of private transport at IGI airport".
It said that a service provider which has a long-term contract, was most likely to ensure that best services are provided to the passengers, as it has much to lose if anything goes wrong.