2026:UHC:355-DB HIGH COURT OF UTTARAKHAND AT NAINITAL Writ Petition (PIL) No.8 of 2026 08 January, 2026 Pant University Teacher Association (PUTA) ---Petitioner Versus State of Uttarakhand and Others --Respondents -------------------------------------------------------------- Presence:- Mr. Anup Kumar Verma, learned counsel for the petitioner. Mr. S.S. Chaudhary, learned Standing Counsel for the State of Uttarakhand. Mr. Lalit Sharma, learned Deputy Solicitor General and Mr. Manoj Kumar, learned Standing Counsel for the Union of India/ respondent nos.5 and 7. Mr. S.S. Lingwal, learned counsel for respondent no.9 through V.C. -------------------------------------------------------------- Hon’ble Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J. Hon’ble Subhash Upadhyay, J. (Per: Hon’ble Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J.) JUDGMENT This writ petition has been filed by Pant University Teacher Association challenging decision taken by State Government to transfer part of land of G.B. Pant University for expansion of Pant Nagar Airport. 2. Relief(s) sought in this writ petition are as follows: “i) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus to direct the respondents not to demolish the research centers of the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, namely, Vegetable Research Center (VRC), Breeder Seed Production Center, Model Floriculture Centre, Medicinal Plants Research and Development Centre (MRDC) and The Agro-forestry Research Center (AFRC) for expansion of the Pantnagar Airport. ii) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus to declare that land belonging to the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, District 1 2026:UHC:355-DB -Udham Singh Nagar allocated to the Airport Authority of India (AAI) without approval of it's Board Of Management is arbitrary and illegal and against the provisions Uttar Pradesh (Krishi Evam Prodyogik Vishwavidyalya Adhiniyam) 1958. iii) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus to direct the respondents that the land belonging to the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, District -Udham Singh Nagar may not be used for expansion of the Pantnagar Airport and it can be used only for the objects of the University mentioned in the 1958 Act. iv) Issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus to direct the respondents to re-evaluate the project's site suitability and overall economic- environmental cost benefit analysis, giving paramount importance to the irreplaceable, long term national strategic value of G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar research assets and restrain the respondents from proceeding with the expansion or establishment of the International Airport at Pantnagar over the land belonging to the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture & Technology, Pantnagar, District -Udham Singh Nagar. v) Issue any other writ, order or directions to the respondents as this Hon'ble Court may deem fit and proper in the facts and circumstances of the case. vi) Award the cost of the writ petition to the petitioner, as also all consequential benefit of service.” 3. Learned State Counsel, however, submits that land in question was leased out by State Government to G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and technology and State Government as owner of land has taken a decision to divert some of land for expansion of airport. 4. Learned State Counsel further submits that Pant University Teacher Association does not have locus standi to challenge decision taken by State Government as petitioners are employees of University. 5. He further submits that if university has any grievance against decision taken by State Government, then University should have come forward through 2 2026:UHC:355-DB Registrar and teachers individually or teachers’ association cannot approach this Court for such relief. 6. This Court finds substance in the said submission. The land in question belongs to State Government. Purpose for which land is to be used can very well be decided by State Government. Expansion of Pant Nagar airport is necessary for development of entire region and if State Government has decided to part with some of land for expansion of airport so that bigger aircrafts can land and take off from Pant Nagar airport, decision taken by State cannot be faulted. State Government is custodian of public good and what is in public interest has to be decided by State Government. 7. This Court while exercising power under Article 226 of the Constitution of India will not sit in judgment over decision taken by State Government in public interest. Learned State Counsel is right in submitting that teachers’ association of Pant University does not have locus to challenge decision taken by State Government and challenge, if any, can be thrown only by University and not by its employees. 8. Thus, there is no scope for interference. The writ petition fails and the same is, accordingly, dismissed. (Subhash Upadhyay, J.) (Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J.) 08.01.2026 SS 3