New Delhi: In view of the rising air fares and flight disruptions, the SC on Friday observed – there is a need to rationalize airfares. It urged the Centre to consider measures to provide relief.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta hearing the matter pointed out a significant disparity between flight fares by airlines operators on the same day. “Try to give some relief to the people because of the discrepancy. On the same day, flights to the same sector, one airline charges Rs 8000 while the other airline charges Rs 18000 for the economy class,” the bench told Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Centre.
Hearing a plea filed by social activist S Laxminarayan, Mehta asserted that the government was not disputing the problem instead treating it like a non-adversarial and considering all aspects. The plea sought a robust and independent regulator that ensures transparency and passenger protection across the civil aviation sector and regulatory guidelines to control the “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfare and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines in India.
Petitioner seeks stronger regulation
Advocated appearing for Laxminarayan pressed that the Aircraft Act of 1937 pertaining to such situation already existed but it wasn’t being followed. “They are not issuing any directions. The rules are there, the power is there but it is a case of non-exercise of powers,” he submitted. The plea also mentioned about a reduction in check economy baggage limits, lack of compensation for passengers not checking in baggage and absence of effective grievance mechanisms.
New aviation rules under formulation
The solicitor general noted that while older rules remain valid, new rules under Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam of 2024 are being developed.
The matter is posted to hear on July 13.
The apex has repeatedly questioned airlines on it bizarre fares. Earlier, it criticized the sharp rise during the festive season.
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