The Supreme Court has warned airlines over steep fare hikes during holiday seasons. It has ordered the Centre to publish draft airfare rules within seven days. Airlines that ignore the final rules may face immediate flight suspensions.
Court Orders Draft Rules Within Seven Days
The bench heard the Centre’s assurance that the rules will be finalised within three weeks. Additional Solicitor General Kaushik gave this commitment to the court. The court then asked the Centre to publish the draft within seven days. It warned that flights must be stopped if aviation companies fail to comply.
Petition Demands Independent Regulator
The case stems from a plea filed by social activist S. Lakshminarayanan. He seeks a strong and independent regulator for civil aviation. The regulator must ensure transparency and passenger safety. The petition also wants guidelines to control sudden swings in airfares and other charges.
Lawyers Flag Arbitrary Fares
Senior advocate Ravindra Shrivastava appeared for the petitioner. He said the old rules remain until new ones take effect. He argued that weak official willpower lets companies charge arbitrary fares. He also cited a statement by the civil aviation minister in Parliament. The minister said the government cannot impose a cap on airfares.
Sealed Draft Under Review
The bench said it has examined the rules presented in a sealed envelope. “A system has been suggested, but nothing is certain about the regulator,” it observed. The Centre said finalisation work is in its last stage. It will present the final rules to the court after three weeks.
Timeline of the Case
The Supreme Court on July 13 ordered the Centre to present rules under the Indian Aircraft Act 2024. Justice Vikram Nath said on May 15 that airfares must be rationalised. He asked the Centre to provide relief to passengers. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the 2024 law took effect in January 2025.
