The Delhi High Court on Monday said that it cannot pass an order directing the government or the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to change the names of metro stations. 

Justice Purushaindra Kumar Kaurav observed that naming the metro station falls within the administrative and policy domains of the government, which the Court does not interfere with unless it is arbitrary or violates the Constitution. 

The Bench disposed of a plea filed by the Residents Welfare Association of Rangpuri village seeking a direction to change the name of the upcoming Mahipalpur Metro Station to Rangpuri Metro Station. 

Rangpuri and Mahipalpur are two urban villages located near the Indira Gandhi International Airport. Mahipalpur station is part of the under-construction Phase 4 Golden Line (Aerocity–Tughlakabad).

It was the petitioner’s case that most of the land used to build the station was from Rangpuri and according to government policy, it should be named after the same village. Further, it was contended that when they approached the authorities with the plea, they were merely passing the buck. 

After considering the case, the High Court said that it will not pass any order on renaming the station. However, Justice Kaurav directed that the DMRC and other authorities to consider the petitioner’s request in six weeks. 

The Bench added that if the opinion of any other department is needed, the same shall also be considered.