AAI later sent a letter to Meenambakkam Realty stating that, under the law, multiplexes are not permitted within the airport premises, and therefore, the theatre must be closed.
Published Jun 20, 2025 | 2:30 PM ⚊ Updated Jun 20, 2025 | 2:30 PM
Madras High Court. (Wikimedia)
Synopsis: The Madras High Court directed the Airports Authority of India to maintain status quo on a multiplex at Chennai airport, pending review of PVR Inox’s application to continue operations. Though the multiplex began in 2023 with clearances, AAI later claimed such facilities are not allowed on airport premises and cancelled its agreement with the developer, Meenambakkam Realty.
The Madras High Court has directed the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to maintain the status quo regarding the functioning of the multiplex located in the car parking area of the Chennai airport, until the application submitted by PVR Inox seeking permission for continued operations is reviewed.
In 2018, the AAI entered into an agreement with a company named Meenambakkam Realty Private Limited for the development of the airport’s car parking area at Chennai Airport. As part of this development, it was also decided to set up a multiplex in collaboration with PVR Inox.
Citing the construction of a multiplex, the necessary environmental clearance was obtained from the Union Ministry of Environment, and a no-objection certificate was secured from the Chennai City Police Commissioner. The construction was completed, and the multiplex began operations in February 2023.
However, the AAI later sent a letter to Meenambakkam Realty stating that, under the law, multiplexes are not permitted within the airport premises, and therefore, the theatre must be closed.
Additionally, the AAI cancelled the agreement it had signed with Meenambakkam Realty, stating that it would now directly manage the 4.5-acre area comprising the car parking and related infrastructure at the airport.
In response, PVR Inox filed a case in the Madras High Court seeking permission to continue operations of the multiplex located within the airport parking premises.
During the hearing before Justice Anand Venkatesh, PVR Inox argued that the AAI should be directed to consider their application requesting continued permission to operate the multiplex.
The AAI, in its response, reiterated that multiplexes are not permitted within airport premises under the law, and that a decision on PVR Inox’s application would be taken after due consideration.
Recording these submissions, the judge directed that the current status quo be maintained until the application from PVR Inox is reviewed, and subsequently closed the case.
(Edited by Sumavarsha, with inputs from Subash Chandra Bose)
