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Informist, Monday, Jul. 13, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday asked the government to place before it within two weeks the rules to regulate airfares in India. The Centre had earlier told the court that the rules have been framed and will be placed before both Houses of Parliament within 30 days.

 

"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 Parliament or not, in sealed cover. List on 3rd August," said a bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta.

 

In November, the Supreme Court had issued notices to the government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India in a public interest litigation filed by social activist Laxminarayanan seeking rules to curb unpredictable airfares and extra charges by airlines. Unchecked and opaque airline practices such as abrupt fare increases, fewer services, inadequate grievance redress, and unfair algorithm-driven pricing infringe upon citizens' fundamental rights, the petitioner had said. The government cannot remain a mute spectator to the violation of rights in a country governed by the rule of law, the petitioner had further said.

 

Inaction by the government in regulating airfare algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity, and grievance mechanisms constitutes a dereliction of its constitutional duty and calls for urgent judicial intervention, Laxminarayanan had said. The petitioner had said air travel was the only quick and practical mode of travel for citizens in remote areas of the country, and airlines were taking advantage of shortages and high demand, which was an unreasonable practice for a necessary service.  

 

In March, the Centre withdrew airfare caps that were introduced in December to curb a spike in ticket prices after IndiGo's widespread flight cancellations. "The prevailing situation has since stabilised, with restoration of capacity and normalisation of operations across the sector. Upon review, it has been decided that the fare cap imposed vide the aforesaid letter shall stand withdrawn with effect from 23rd March, 2026," it said. This came at a time when airlines were hit hard by the conflict in West Asia, leading to an increase in aviation turbine fuel prices, flight cancellations, as well as re-routings that burn more fuel.  End

 

Reported by Surya Tripathi

Edited by Rajeev Pai

 

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