Section 33 of The Airports Authority of India Act, 1994
No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Authority or any member or any officer or other employee of the Authority 1*** for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of this Act or of any rule or regulation made thereunder or for any damage sustained by any aircraft or vehicle in consequence of any defect in any of the airports, civil enclaves, heliports, airstrips, aeronautical communication stations or other things belonging to or under the control of the Authority.
Summary
- The Authority, its members, and its employees cannot be sued or prosecuted for actions taken in good faith.
- This protection covers anything done or intended to be done while following the Act or its rules.
- The Authority is also protected against legal action for damage to aircraft or vehicles caused by defects in the airport facilities.
- This damage protection applies to civil enclaves, heliports, airstrips, and communication stations under the Authority's control.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can I take the Authority to court if an employee makes an honest mistake while doing their job?
No, the law protects them from legal proceedings if they were acting in good faith to follow the rules.
2. Does this protection apply if an employee intentionally breaks the law?
No, the action must be done or intended to be done in "good faith" to receive legal protection.
3. What if my car gets damaged by a broken gate at the airport?
The Authority is protected from suits regarding damage sustained by vehicles due to defects in things belonging to the Authority.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 33 of The Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, what is the core requirement for an employee's action to be protected from prosecution?
Q2.Under Section 33 of The Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, what specific types of property damage are explicitly mentioned as being protected from lawsuits if caused by a facility defect?
Q3.Under Section 33 of The Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, which of the following individuals or groups is NOT explicitly listed as being protected from legal proceedings for good faith actions?
Q4.Under Section 33 of The Airports Authority of India Act, 1994, does the legal protection cover an employee who intends to do the right thing under the Act, even if the action is not fully completed?