Supreme Court Ruling on Right to Property

The Supreme Court of India ruled that the right to property is both a human and constitutional right, ensuring that no individual can be deprived of property without adequate compensation. The judgment highlighted the potential adjustment of valuation dates in cases of excessive delay in compensation disbursement.

Constitutional Context

• The right to property was removed from being a Fundamental Right by the Constitution (Forty-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1978.
• It remains a constitutional right under Article 300-A, which mandates no deprivation of property without legal authority.

Case Context

• The ruling was in response to an appeal concerning a Karnataka High Court decision regarding the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor Project.
• Landowners had not received compensation, leading to a postponement of the valuation date by the Special Land Acquisition Officer (SLAO) from 2003 to 2011.

Supreme Court's Decision

• The Supreme Court upheld the lower court's stance that only it, or a High Court, can change acquisition dates under Article 32/142 or Article 226.
• The Court ruled it was appropriate to use Article 142 to adjust the valuation date for just compensation.
• The SLAO was directed to base compensation on the market value as of April 22, 2019, granting statutory benefits from the 1894 Land Acquisition Act.

This ruling emphasizes the protection of property rights within the Indian legal framework, highlighting both constitutional mandates and the role of judicial authority in ensuring fair compensation.

Air India's Onboard Wi-Fi Service Rollout

Air India has become the first airline in India to offer Wi-Fi Internet connectivity on domestic flights. This service is initially available on select domestic and international flights.

Current Fleet Offering Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi is available on Airbus A350, Boeing 787-9, and select Airbus A321neo aircraft.
• These aircraft are equipped with the necessary hardware for Internet connectivity.
• The service is being extended from erstwhile Vistara aircraft, facilitated by Nelco and Panasonic Avionics Corporation.

Accessing Onboard Wi-Fi

• Passengers must enable Wi-Fi on their devices and select the 'Air India Wi-Fi' network.
• They need to enter their details, such as PNR and last name, to access the internet.

Technologies for In-Flight Internet Connectivity

• Air-to-Ground (ATG) Technology: Utilizes ground-based cellular towers to provide connectivity. Limited by the availability of towers.
• Satellite-Based Connectivity: Internet from ground stations is transmitted to aircraft through satellites, offering wider coverage.

Functioning of In-Flight Wi-Fi

• Wi-Fi signals from passenger devices are collected by in-cabin antennae.
• Signals are relayed to an onboard server, then transmitted via satellites or ground towers depending on the technology used.
• Satellite systems provide signals through an antenna on the aircraft to a satellite, while ATG systems use cellular towers.

Cost Considerations

• Initial installation of antennae is costly for airlines.
• Globally, some airlines offer a limited amount of free Internet before charging for data packs.
• Airlines may offer free or discounted Internet to loyalty program members and premium passengers.
• Air India offers the service free for a limited introductory period.