High Court asked the Centre, what did the government do if the airline failed to make arrangements?

Across the country including Delhi Indigo Airlines Delhi High Court strongly reprimanded the Central Government and raised many questions on the unbearable pain caused to thousands of passengers due to the cancellation of hundreds of Indigo flights.

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked the central government that if Indigo airline was not following the rules, then what did the government do? In such a situation, what provision does the government have and is the central government helpless in taking action against the defaulting airlines?

On the huge increase in air fares, the bench asked that if there was a crisis, then how were other airlines allowed to take advantage of it? How can a fare of five thousand reach 35 thousand to 40 thousand? How did other airlines start charging higher rates?

The court made these comments and questions during the hearing on the PIL filed by advocates Akhil Rana and Utkarsh Sharma demanding ground support and refund to the affected passengers. However, the bench also expressed dissatisfaction over filing the petition without any research and documentation.

The government allowed the situation to worsen

Describing the entire incident (Indigo Flight Cancellation) as an emergency, the court asked Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma, appearing on behalf of the Central Government, that the government allowed the situation to deteriorate and only then took action. Why did the government allow all this to happen? The court also said that we appreciate the steps taken by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA),

But we are concerned as to why such a situation was allowed to develop, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at the airport. Such a situation also affects the economy. After this, the bench adjourned the hearing till January 22, directing the DGCA to complete the investigation and file a report in a sealed cover.

Take appropriate steps for adequate number of pilots in all airlines

The court said that the Indian Aircraft Act-2024 empowers the Central Government and DGCA to take action against airlines that do not follow the rules. Under this, it also has the right to restrict, suspend or cancel the license or approval certificate. The bench asked for appropriate steps to be taken to ensure that all airlines have adequate number of pilots.

Situation arising due to not following guidelines: Center

On the court’s questions, ASG Chetan Sharma, appearing on behalf of the Central Government and DGCA, said that due to not following the guidelines, such a situation was created which caused problems to the passengers. Show cause notice was issued to IndiGo. He has apologized on this.

He said that the scheme of Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) is pending from the year 2024 and its deadline has been extended repeatedly. ASG said that taking strict action in the matter, a committee has been formed and it is investigating the situation. There are provisions to impose fine on airlines for violating rules. The government is looking into this.

The ASG told the court that Indigo has been given only one-time exemption in relation to FDTL. This discount will be valid only till February 2026. It will be reviewed every 15 days and we can also take it back. ASG said that unexpected fare hike has been banned. Never before had a maximum fare limit been fixed.

(Indigo Flight Cancellation) Court’s sharp questions to the central government

What steps were taken by the government to help the passengers affected at the airport?

What actions were taken to ensure that airline employees treated them properly

What action did the government take to help and compensate people?

Why did the government not implement the guidelines on working hours of pilots in time?

Will non-implementation of FDTL not compromise passenger safety?

If a pilot has to make two landings in one night and he is doing six, isn’t he compromising people’s safety?

What action was taken when airlines did not recruit sufficient number of pilots?