The Karnataka High Court has issued notice to officials of Mangaluru International Airport over a petition challenging an alleged arbitrary increase in parking fees for taxis and maxi-cabs, as well as rules described by the petitioners as unscientific.
A single-judge bench headed by Justice C.M. Poonacha heard the writ petition filed by the Dakshina Kannada Taximens and Maxi Cab Association and Harish Shetty. After hearing arguments from the petitioners’ lawyer, Suyog Herale, the court ordered notice to the regional officer of the Airports Authority of India and the authorities of Mangaluru International Airport.
The court has adjourned the matter to December 7. The notice does not constitute a finding against the airport authority or establish that the fee increase was unlawful. The allegations will be considered in the proceedings after the respondents receive notice and present their position.
The petitioners have alleged that parking charges for taxis and maxi-cabs operating at the airport were increased arbitrarily. They have also challenged the rules introduced in connection with the charges, describing them as unscientific. The petition seeks an order preventing what it calls arbitrary fee increases and asks the court to cancel an endorsement issued by the chief officer of Mangaluru International Airport on August 11, 2026.
The association has also asked the court to direct the authorities to consider a representation submitted on August 4. The petition therefore covers both the level and administration of airport parking charges, including the response issued by the airport authorities to the operators’ representation.
For taxi and maxi-cab operators, airport parking fees form part of the operating conditions governing passenger pick-ups and drop-offs. Any change in those charges can affect how vehicles access the airport and may become part of the wider cost of providing airport-linked transport. The petition, however, does not establish in the material available how much the charges were increased or whether passengers have been directly charged more as a result.
The dispute places airport transport arrangements within a formal judicial process. Mangaluru International Airport authorities and the Airports Authority of India regional office will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations before the court considers the petition further. The next listed hearing is scheduled for December 7, when the proceedings are expected to continue.
