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Informist, Monday, Feb. 23, 2026

 

NEW DELHI – The government Monday told the Supreme Court that it was discussing the issue of unpredictable airfares and extra charges by airlines at the highest level and will file a response in four weeks. Observing that unpredictable airfares were a serious issue, the court allowed Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik time to file a response and listed the case for hearing on Mar. 23.

 

In November, the Supreme Court 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 S. Laxminarayanan, a social activist, 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 redressal, and unfair algorithm-driven pricing, infringe upon citizens' fundamental rights, the petitioner said. The government cannot remain a mute spectator to the ongoing violation of rights in a country governed by the rule of law, the petitioner 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 said. The petitioner said that air travel was the only fast and practical mode of travel for citizens in remote areas of the country, and airlines were taking advantage of shortages and high demand, which is an unreasonable practice for a necessary service, the petitioner said.

 

Sometimes airlines impose hidden fees and unpredictable pricing, especially in times of crisis, the petitioner said. 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 Saji George Titus

 

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