Supreme Court’s strict comment on arbitrariness of air fares, notice issued to Central Government and DGCA

New Delhi : Expressing deep concern over the huge increase in air fares during the festive season and bad weather, the Supreme Court has clearly indicated that the court will intervene if necessary. The top court said that unexpected fluctuations in fares and other charges by private airlines are a direct exploitation of passengers. Considering this issue as serious, the court has sought answers from the Central Government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).

Exploitation of passengers during festivals and Kumbh
A bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta told Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, appearing for the Centre, that the way arbitrary fares are charged from passengers during Kumbh, festivals and special occasions is not acceptable. Giving examples of routes like Delhi to Prayagraj and Jodhpur, the court said that these days the air fares are out of reach of common travelers. The bench said in clear words that the court will not ignore this situation.

Notice to Central Government and DGCA
The Supreme Court has issued a formal notice to the Central Government and DGCA in this matter. The court believes that the existing regulatory framework is failing to stop the arbitrariness in air fares. During the hearing, Justice Mehta also said in a light tone that even though fares have not increased in some cities, passengers on many other routes are facing heavy financial burden. The central government has sought time to file its reply, after which the next hearing has been fixed for February 23.

Need for independent and strong regulator
This matter is related to social worker S. It is related to the PIL filed by Lakshminarayanan, which has sought to establish a strong and independent regulator for the civil aviation sector. It has been said in the petition that the airlines companies are fixing the fares without transparency and the interests of the passengers are being ignored. The petitioner says that in the current system, the safety and rights of passengers are not being effectively monitored.

Question on cut in free baggage allowance
The petition also raised the issue that the airlines have reduced the free check-in baggage limit for economy class passengers from 25 kg to 15 kg without any solid reason. The facility which was earlier a part of the ticket, has now been made a source of additional income. Allowing only one bag and additional charges have added to the problems of passengers.

Allegation of violation of fundamental rights
According to the petition, the opaque and exploitative attitude of the airlines, including arbitrary fare hikes, unilateral cuts in services and lack of effective grievance redressal, violates the fundamental rights of citizens to equality, free movement and a life of dignity. Especially during festivals and bad weather, poor and helpless passengers suffer the most.

Demand to make rules for rent control
This demand has also been placed before the Supreme Court that clear and binding rules should be made to monitor air fares and prevent arbitrary increase in prices in the name of demand. It is clear from the court’s comments that in the coming times, the pricing policy of aviation companies may be strictly monitored.