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Informist, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court Monday told the Centre that it should ground the airlines if they do not follow the latter's orders on airfares in India. The top court's observation came after the government said that until the rules to regulate airfares are finalised, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has been issuing office memorandums to airlines on pricing. However, the airlines were not following any directive issued by the Centre, said the petitioners.   

 

The Centre said it has fast-tracked the framing of the final rules to regulate airfares in India and the same will be finalised within three weeks. "The finalised rules we will place for your lordship's consideration. There's still discussion going on in some aspects," said the government. The top court also pursued the draft rules to regulate airfares in India, which were given by the government in a sealed cover. It will now hear the case next on Sept. 7.

 

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 S. 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.  End

 

Reported by Surya Tripathi

Edited by Deepshikha Bhardwaj

 

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