Big questions Delhi HC asked Centre during IndiGo crisis hearing
What's the story
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday questioned the central government for its inaction during the recent IndiGo airline crisis. The court, headed by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, observed that the government only intervened when air travel conditions worsened. Asking if the government was "helpless," the bench said, "You allowed the situation to precipitate and only then did you take action. Why did you allow all this to happen?"
Compensation focus
Court emphasizes passenger compensation, economic impact
The court also stressed the need for passenger compensation, as many were left stranded at airports. It directed IndiGo to comply with relevant rules and a DGCA circular on providing facilities during flight delays and cancellations. The court said, "We expect and direct that such provisions for payment of compensation would be strictly adhered to by R3 [IndiGo], which shall be ensured by the Ministry and DGCA as well."
Legal action
PIL highlights passenger rights violations, court's response
The court was hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by advocates Akhil Rana and Utkarsh Sharma. The PIL sought a judicial inquiry into the IndiGo crisis and fair compensation for affected passengers. It alleged widespread violations of passenger rights, including arbitrary cancellations and discriminatory conduct. The court noted that the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024 (New Aircraft Act) empowers DGCA and the central government to act against non-compliant airlines.
Crisis management
Indigo's pilot shortage and government response
IndiGo faced a pilot shortage after the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) rules came into effect. These rules limit maximum daily duty hours and tighten rest requirements. The DGCA exempted IndiGo from FDTL compliance to manage the crisis but ordered a 5% reduction in scheduled flights. Senior Advocate Sandeep Sethi, representing IndiGo, argued this was a first-time issue in 19 years of operation. However, the court remained unconvinced. "These measures have been implemented by all...but you," CJ Upadhyaya said.
Government accountability
Court questions government's actions, seeks clarification
The court also grilled the central government on its role in alleviating passenger distress and ensuring airline staff conduct. It asked why guidelines on pilot working hours weren't implemented timely and if safety was compromised by not hiring enough pilots. "If a pilot is supposed to do 2 landings...a night and he is doing 6, he is compromising on people's safety," it said.
Legal proceedings
Court dissatisfied with petitioners, directs further action
The court also asked asked about about the government's options for taking action against erring airlines. "In case any of the airlines or service provider failed to do so, what provision is available to you in case of failure by these airlines? Are you helpless? We want to know under which provision or policy decision you would take action against them?" the court asked.
Question
Courts raps Centre over ticket prices
Another question the court asked was why air ticket prices shot up suddenly. When Sharma submitted that the government had capped the airfare, the court observed that the step was taken after 4-5 days. "After how many days?...The air ticket available for four or five thousand rupees, the fares went up to ₹30,000. The question also is, if there is such a crisis, how can other airlines take advantage of it? How can other airlines start charging ₹40,000?" it asked.