Goa Court Issues Summons to 54 Individuals Over 2025 Airport Agitation
The Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) court in Pernem, Goa, has taken significant legal action by issuing summons to 54 individuals, including prominent political figure Vijai Sardesai, the Fatorda MLA and president of the Goa Forward Party (GFP). This legal move is directly connected to the large-scale agitation that unfolded at Manohar International Airport in Mopa back in 2025.
Court Orders Appearance and Details of the Case
All the accused individuals have been formally ordered by the court to appear before it on June 15. The case originates from a massive protest staged by local taxi operators on September 29, 2025. This protest was a direct response to actions taken by the GMR-led airport management, which sparked widespread discontent among the taxi community.
The primary triggers for the agitation were a steep and sudden hike in parking fees, which reportedly escalated from Rs 70 to Rs 200, and the imposition of heavy penalties on taxis that stopped for more than five minutes to drop off passengers. These measures were perceived as exorbitant and unfair by the protesting taxi operators.
Legal Proceedings and Key Figures Involved
Following a comprehensive chargesheet filed by the Pernem police, the court has now initiated formal legal proceedings against the group. Among the key figures summoned is Nikhil Mahale, a recognized leader of the taxi association, who played a central role in organizing the protest.
Investigators heavily relied on CCTV footage obtained from the airport premises to accurately identify and verify the participants involved in the agitation. This technological evidence was crucial in building the case against the accused.
Demands and Context of the Protest
The protesters had clear and specific demands during the 2025 agitation. They vehemently called for a complete rollback of what they described as "exorbitant" parking fees and penalties imposed by the airport management. Additionally, they sought priority access for taxi operators based in Pernem at the international gateway, arguing for local benefits and fair treatment.
This legal development highlights the ongoing tensions between local service providers and airport authorities over pricing policies and operational regulations. The summons mark a critical step in addressing the legal ramifications of the protest, which disrupted airport operations and drew significant public attention at the time.
