MP High Court Scrutinizes Poor Air Connectivity Affecting Access to Justice

Jabalpur, MP – The Madhya Pradesh High Court is intensifying its examination of poor air connectivity to Jabalpur, acknowledging its severe impact on the legal community's access to justice. In an ongoing Public Interest Litigation (PIL), a division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf has allowed an intervention application by a final-year law student, bringing the logistical nightmares faced by lawyers and litigants into sharp judicial focus.

The case, Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch & Ors v. Union Of India & Ors , highlights how inadequate flight options between Jabalpur—the seat of the High Court's principal bench—and its benches in Indore and Gwalior, as well as the national capital, are creating significant barriers to legal practice and the administration of justice. The court's proceedings underscore a growing recognition that functional infrastructure is a prerequisite for an effective judicial system.

The Core Grievance: A Barrier to Justice

The crux of the issue was powerfully articulated in an intervention application filed by law student Parth Shrivastava. The application detailed the practical challenges stemming from the sparse and inconveniently timed flights. This sentiment was echoed in court by Senior Advocate Aditya Sanghi, appearing for the petitioner, who drew a stark comparison to the state's capital.

"Bhopal, being much smaller than Jabalpur, has got 50 flights whereas we have only 9 flights at odd hours," Sanghi argued, pointing to a perceived disparity in aviation infrastructure that disadvantages a major judicial hub.

The intervenor's plea elaborated on the real-world consequences of this connectivity gap. It stated that the current flight schedules make it nearly impossible for legal professionals to manage their commitments effectively. The application noted, "Neither the litigants nor the Advocates can attend the hearing Before the Hon'ble Supreme Court and before the Delhi High Court or in various learned Tribunal at Delhi nor he can complete the work in Jabalpur when he reaches at 04:00 p.m., therefore, looking to the situation, the situation is very-very grave."

This argument transforms the issue from one of mere convenience to a fundamental matter of access to justice. When lawyers cannot efficiently travel between benches or to the Supreme Court, it can lead to adjournments, increased costs for litigants, and a general slowing of the judicial process.

Judicial Scrutiny and Corporate Accountability

The High Court has taken a proactive stance, directing both state authorities and private airline operators to provide concrete data and action plans. In a previous order dated August 11, the court had specifically instructed Inter Globe Aviation Limited (Indigo), a key respondent, to file a detailed affidavit covering several critical points: 1. Any census or viability studies conducted for flights from Jabalpur. 2. Passenger data for connecting flights between Jabalpur, Indore, Delhi, and Mumbai. 3. The feasibility of rescheduling the current mid-day flight to an early morning or late evening slot to save business hours for travelers.

This directive signals the court's intent to move beyond general assurances and delve into the commercial and logistical data underpinning the airline's scheduling decisions. During the most recent hearing on August 28, Advocate Siddharth Sharma, representing Inter Globe Aviation, requested additional time to comply with this order and to review a Request for Proposal (RFP) issued by the state.

The court's consistent pressure on the airline, including remarks in a July 30 hearing about the reduction in flights and exorbitant ticket prices, indicates a refusal to accept the status quo. By demanding data-backed justifications, the bench is holding the airline accountable for its service obligations to the region.

State Government's Response and Future Steps

The state government, represented by Deputy Advocate General Vivek Sharma, informed the court of a positive development. The Directorate of Aviation has issued an RFP to select scheduled airline operators for providing direct flight connectivity from airports across Madhya Pradesh. The court has directed that this RFP be circulated to all parties involved, including the petitioner and the airline respondents, ensuring transparency and allowing them to provide feedback or take instructions.

This move by the state government, likely spurred by the ongoing PIL, represents a potential long-term solution. However, the court remains focused on immediate relief and accountability. The bench has re-notified the matter for September 9, 2025, expecting Inter Globe Aviation to produce the previously mandated data and provide its stance on the new RFP.

While the court momentarily dispensed with the personal appearance of the Additional Chief Secretary of Aviation, it accepted an affidavit from the state, ensuring that the government's submissions are officially on record.

Broader Implications for Legal Infrastructure

This case serves as a crucial reminder that the concept of "access to justice" extends beyond the courtroom doors. It encompasses the entire ecosystem that enables the legal system to function, including physical infrastructure like transportation. For a state with a geographically dispersed High Court structure—a principal seat in Jabalpur and benches in Indore and Gwalior—efficient and reliable connectivity is not a luxury but a necessity.

The PIL initiated by Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch sets a significant precedent. It demonstrates how judicial intervention can be leveraged to address systemic infrastructural deficits that impede legal practice. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications, potentially influencing policy decisions on air connectivity to other cities that serve as vital legal and administrative centers across India.

As the legal community awaits the next hearing, the focus remains on whether the combined pressure from the judiciary and the state's new initiative will translate into tangible improvements on the ground, finally clearing the runway for smoother access to justice in Madhya Pradesh.

Case Details: * Case Title: Nagrik Upbhokta Margdarshak Manch & Ors v. Union Of India & Ors * Case Number: WP No. 14563 of 2024 * Next Hearing Date: September 9, 2025 * Coram: Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf