Supreme Court seeks centre’s aviation rules in airfare regulation case, flags need for passenger protection
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to submit the rules framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, within two weeks in a case concerning regulation of airfares and passenger rights.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta asked the government to place the rules before it in a sealed cover, irrespective of whether they have been presented before Parliament.
The court passed the order while hearing a plea filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, seeking an independent aviation regulator to ensure transparency, fair pricing and protection of passengers in the civil aviation sector.
The plea has raised concerns over sharp fluctuations in airfares, high ancillary charges, reduced baggage allowances and the absence of a mechanism to regulate airline pricing practices.
The Centre informed the court that draft rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, have been prepared and are currently undergoing translation before being placed before Parliament.
Senior advocate Ravindra Srivastava, appearing for the petitioner, argued that passengers continue to face exorbitant fares under the existing system and urged the court to consider a stronger regulatory framework.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had expressed concern over steep airfare hikes during peak travel periods and festivals, calling for measures to provide relief to passengers. The matter will be heard next on August 3.
