Deboard Passengers Who Violate COVID-19 Norms, Orders High Court

New Delhi: In a significant ruling, Delhi High Court ordered de-boarding of passengers who violate COVID-19 norms like wearing of mask and maintaining hygiene at airports and on the aircraft as the coronavirus pandemic has not still not passed.

Mandating strict action against the violators, a two-bench of acting chief justice Vipin Sanghi and justice Sachin Datta said they should be physically removed if needed, fined, booked and placed on no-fly list.

“It is essential for respondents to ensure norms are affected properly. DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) should give separate binding directions to all airlines to authorise staff at airports and on aircraft to take strict action against passengers and others who violate masking and hygiene norms,” the court said.

“The issuance of the said order, in our view, is in the right direction since the pandemic has not abated and keeps springing its ugly head,” the court stated.

The high court was hearing suo moto proceedings Justice C Hari Shankar had initiated on March 5, 2021 on finding passengers flouting COVID-19 norms.

Taking cognisance of “stubbornness of fellow passengers in wearing masks below their chin” while travelling to Kolkata, Justice Shankar directed immediate de-boarding of passengers violating COVID norms despite being warned.

Last year, the high court directed all airlines to ensure written instructions are given to passengers regarding COVID-19 protocols on board flights, including measures that could be taken if they are not followed.