The court was hearing a public interest petition challenging the ADF that consists of Rs.200 cess on all outgoing domestic passengers and Rs.1,300 on international ones since March 1, 2009.

Apart from alleging that the money being charged for airport development work was 'placing undue burden on travelling public', the petition also argues that in return for the payment the passenger is not being offered any extra facility or value by Delhi International Authority Limited (DIAL).

'There should be some co-relation with the value being offered to public in return for ADF,' the petitioners contended.

In March, the government asked all airlines flying out of Delhi to collect a development fee from the passengers while issuing air tickets and not when they are checking in at the airport.