The Calcutta High Court on October 7 heard arguments from the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Centre opposing interim permission to resume prayers at the Bankra Mosque within the Kolkata airport premises, citing aviation and national security concerns.
Justice Krishna Rao heard the matter, in which the petitioners are challenging the restriction on access to the mosque. Senior Advocate S.N. Mookherjee appeared for the AAI, while Additional Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi represented the Centre. No order was passed on the interim prayer, and the matter will be heard next on October 9.
Appearing for the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Senior Advocate S.N. Mookherjee opposed any interim relief. He submitted that the mosque stands on land acquired for airport purposes and that aviation and national security concerns justified restricting access.
“Airport is public land. It is not mandatory to go to a mosque for Namaz. Namaz can be offered anywhere,” the counsel submitted.
The AAI stated that the land had been acquired decades ago for airport expansion under a notification dated February 7, 1961. According to its submissions, compensation and rehabilitation had been provided to the affected local residents.
The AAI further submitted that the restriction was imposed after concerns were raised regarding aviation security and the movement of people around the airport. It referred to a Civil Aviation communication dated May 13, 2026, followed by a stakeholder meeting on May 23.
“It was not done overnight. The views of all stakeholders were heard. National and aviation security are involved,” the counsel submitted while opposing interim permission.
The Centre also opposed interim relief. Additional Solicitor General Dhiraj Trivedi submitted that constitutional protection of religious practice did not create an exemption from land acquisition or airport security requirements.
The Bankra Masjid Committee maintained that prayers had been conducted at the mosque for around 136 years without any security incident. It also submitted that devotees were previously subjected to security checks before being taken to the mosque.
Access to the mosque was restricted from July 11, 2026. The petitioners have challenged the restriction and sought permission to resume prayers while the main case remains pending.
No order was passed on the interim prayer after the submissions, and the matter was listed for further hearing on October 9, 2026.
