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Informist, Monday, Nov. 17, 2025

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday issued notices to the government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India on a public interest litigation seeking rules to curb unpredictable airfare and extra charges by airlines. "Delay condoned. Issue notice, returnable within four weeks. Permission is granted to serve the respondent (Union of India) through central agency, in addition," said a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta. The apex court will hear the petition by S. Laxminarayanan, a social activist, on Dec. 19.

Unchecked and opaque airline practices, such as abrupt fare increases, fewer services, inadequate grievance redressal, and unfair algorithm-driven pricing, infringe upon citizens' fundamental rights to equality, freedom of movement, and a life with dignity, said the petitioner. The government cannot remain a mute spectator to this ongoing violation of rights in a constitutional republic governed by rule of law, said the petitioner.

Inaction by the government in regulating fare algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity, and grievance mechanisms constitute a dereliction of its constitutional duty and calls for urgent judicial intervention, Laxminarayanan said. The petitioner said that air travel was frequently the only fast and practical mode of travel in urgent or challenging circumstances for employees and residents in remote or challenging-to-reach areas of India. Airlines freely take advantage of shortages and high demand, which is an unreasonable practice for a necessary service, said the petitioner. Consequently, the passengers frequently witness ticket prices skyrocket within minutes of booking and there are no regulations restricting demand-based hikes, said the petitioner.

Sometimes airlines impose hidden fees and unpredictable pricing, especially in times of crisis, such as in the aftermath of the Pahalgam terror or during festivities like the Maha Kumbh pilgrimage, said the petitioner. The airlines do so as no authority has the discretion to review or cap airfares or ancillary fees, the petitioner added.  End

Reported by Surya Tripathi

Edited by Ashish Shirke

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