The Calcutta High Court has declined to grant any immediate interim relief on a petition seeking permission for devotees to offer namaz at the Bankra Mosque located inside the operational perimeter of the Kolkata airport. Taking into account strong security reservations presented by the airport operator and government authorities, the bench led by Justice Krishna Rao decided against altering the prevailing curbs. The matter has now been posted for subsequent proceedings on October 7, 2026. The hearing witnessed significant judicial observations regarding aviation security risks in an increasingly volatile global landscape.
Devotees Point to Past Escorted Access and Screening Protocols
Counsel representing the petitioners submitted before the bench that worshippers had been visiting the mosque situated inside the airport boundaries for several decades. According to their submissions, an established protocol previously governed the movement of worshippers to ensure safety. Devotees underwent thorough screening conducted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Following the verification and security clearances, they were transported directly to the mosque premises aboard dedicated shuttle buses. Upon finishing their prayers, the same transportation arrangement conveyed them back to the thoroughfare outside the aerodrome boundary. The petitioners maintained that such controlled transit prevented any breach of airport safety.
Proximity to Runway and Apron Incursions Trigger Red Flags
Countering the petitioners' narrative, legal representatives appearing on behalf of the airport administration drew the bench's focus to the geographical vulnerabilities of the site. Officials underscored that the structure lies directly within the airport's active operational enclave, positioned a mere 165 metres away from the main runway. Aviation authorities highlighted past breaches where unauthorised individuals managed to penetrate as far as the airport apron. Officials contended that permitting unregulated or continuous footfall so near aircraft taxiways and active flight operations poses a severe, unacceptable vulnerability to modern aviation security.
Post-1993 Security Realities and Red Fort Attack Cited
Appearing on behalf of the authorities, Additional Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi argued that the threat matrix surrounding vital civil aviation infrastructure has transformed radically over time. Trivedi noted that prior to 1993, the country did not confront the sophisticated, recurring security challenges seen today, with major vulnerabilities emerging across subsequent decades. He placed particular emphasis on the 2025 Red Fort attack to demonstrate that critical Indian installations face grave, targeted threats. Given such prevailing conditions, counsel stressed that authorities cannot afford any negligence or compromise within sensitive zones of a major international airport.
Global Risks Underlined via Flydubai Cockpit Crisis
Responding to the government's submissions, Justice Krishna Rao noted that security concerns are no longer restricted to domestic borders but represent a widespread international challenge. Citing an alarming mid-air development from the previous day involving a Flydubai passenger flight, the judge underscored how quickly aviation situations can unravel. Justice Krishna Rao observed,
"No, not only in India. Nowadays it is happening everywhere. Look at yesterday's Flydubai incident. You cannot even imagine."
This remark referred to an extraordinary mid-air altercation on an Israel-bound Flydubai aircraft, which had to be diverted to Saudi Arabia following a cockpit scuffle. The flight's Omani co-pilot allegedly assaulted Captain Smit Machhar with the suspected intent of crashing the aircraft. The bench highlighted this episode to illustrate that vulnerabilities involving aviation infrastructure require utmost caution across jurisdictions.
Court Refuses Interim Order, Next Date Set for October 7, 2026
After evaluating the preliminary submissions, the High Court declined to issue any temporary order lifting the prohibition on prayers at the mosque. Consequently, the operational restrictions barring external entry to the structure inside the airport perimeter will remain fully operative. Justice Krishna Rao directed the registry to list the matter for further adjudication on October 7, 2026, when the court is slated to examine detailed security reports, perimeter assessments, and possible alternatives.
