Supreme Court Seeks Details on Airfare Regulation Rules
The Supreme Court has directed the Central government to submit a detailed copy of the newly framed rules aimed at regulating airfare within India. This directive was issued in the case of S Laxminarayanan Versus Union Of India And Ors. The Bench, consisting of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, is overseeing a petition that calls for comprehensive guidelines on controlling airfare fluctuations. The petition emphasizes the need for regulation to prevent unexpected price surges.
In response, the Central government has informed the Court that the necessary rules have been established and are slated to be introduced in both houses of Parliament within the next 30 days. Consequently, the Court has mandated the government to submit these rules to the Bench within two weeks, regardless of their parliamentary status. “Considering the submissions, we grant two weeks’ time to place before this court the rules which have been framed, irrespective of whether they have been placed before the Parliament or not, in sealed cover. List on 3rd August,” the Court ordered.
Petition Calls for Comprehensive Airfare Regulations
The petition urges the Union government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to establish binding regulations on airfare pricing, limit surge pricing, and manage additional airline charges such as baggage fees. It also seeks the formulation of clear cancellation and refund policies, as well as the establishment of an independent aviation regulator tasked with safeguarding consumer interests.
During an earlier hearing on January 21, the Supreme Court highlighted instances of alleged exploitative pricing by airlines, particularly during significant events such as the Kumbh Mela. Justice Mehta remarked on the exorbitant fares observed during the Kumbh, while Justice Nath pointed out similar practices during other festivals. “Take the statistics for these two towns, Prayagraj and Jodhpur, the flight fares are three times the flight fares before the festivals,” Justice Mehta noted.
The Union government has assured the Court that it is examining the issue at the highest levels to ensure fair pricing practices within the aviation sector.
