Purandar Airport Land Acquisition: Bombay High Court Dismisses Farmers’ Plea Seeking Site Change

Pune, 23rd September 2026: The Bombay High Court has dismissed a petition filed by farmers challenging the land acquisition for the proposed Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje Greenfield International Airport in Purandar and seeking a change in the project site.

The order was passed on September 22 by a bench comprising Justices Suman Shyam and Advait M. Sethna. The court held that the selection of an airport site is a policy decision involving technical and expert considerations and that courts are not expert authorities to substitute their assessment for that of the government and technical agencies.

The farmers had challenged the selection of the proposed site and sought to stop the ongoing land acquisition process. The petitioners had argued, among other things, that the selected site comprised fertile, multi-crop agricultural land and that an alternative location should be considered.

The court also clarified that landowners are free to approach the competent authorities regarding individual grievances relating to land acquisition and compensation. If they believe that the compensation offered is not in accordance with the applicable law, they can challenge it through the remedies available under the relevant legislation.

The court further held that the petitioners did not have the necessary legal standing to challenge the state’s policy decision regarding the selection of the airport site, according to the state government’s statement on the judgment.

96% of farmers have given consent

According to the Pune district administration, the land acquisition process for the airport is progressing rapidly. The administration said that 96% of farmers from Vanpuri, Kumbharwalan, Udachiwadi, Ekatpur, Munjwadi, Khanawadi and Pargaon have given their consent.

It said acquisition of around 910 hectares has been completed and approximately ₹3,875 crore has been paid as compensation to the concerned landowners.

The administration said the acquisition process is being expedited so that compensation can reach farmers without delay. The government has also said that the project has been provided a compensation package and rehabilitation policy intended to provide additional benefits to landowners who give consent.

The administration is also working to resolve individual land-related disputes involving farmers, it said.

Consent window extended

To enable farmers who have not yet given consent to avail themselves of the rehabilitation benefits, the district administration has announced an extended window from
September 25 to October 10.

The administration has said that the overall acquisition process will be completed by October 20.

However, land belonging to farmers who do not provide consent after October 10 will be acquired compulsorily, according to the administration. Such landowners will not be eligible for the benefits available under the rehabilitation policy for consent-based acquisition.

Earlier, the administration had announced that 94% of farmers had submitted consent documents by the August 31 deadline and had planned to proceed with compulsory acquisition of the remaining land.

Collector appeals to farmers

Pune District Collector Jitendra Dudi appealed to farmers to give their consent within the extended period.

“Considering the interests of farmers, the government has provided a substantial package for the Purandar international airport. I appeal to all farmers to give their consent within the extended period, as it is in their interest,” Dudi said.

He said farmers giving consent would be eligible for a 10% developed-plot return and other benefits under the rehabilitation policy. He also urged joint landholders to resolve their individual issues and accept the compensation so that the funds do not remain tied up in legal proceedings.

The Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation’s rehabilitation policy provides additional benefits to landowners who opt for consent-based acquisition. Earlier details released by the district administration had also stated that these benefits would not apply in cases where land is acquired compulsorily.

The High Court’s dismissal removes the challenge to the selected airport site and acquisition process raised in the present petition, while individual statutory claims concerning acquisition and compensation remain open to appropriate legal remedies.