New Delhi: The Supreme Court has pulled up the Centre for failing to file an affidavit in a petition which seeks regulatory guidelines to control “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfares and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed the Centre to file an application along with an affidavit explaining the delay in submitting a response.
The top court is hearing a PIL, filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan who has sought a robust and independent regulatory framework to ensure transparency and passenger protection in the civil aviation sector.
The PIL questioned the State’s inaction when there are sharp spikes in airfares during festiva
ls.
“In a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law, the State cannot remain a mute spectator to this ongoing violation of rights. Inaction by the State in regulating fare algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity, and grievance mechanisms constitutes a dereliction of its constitutional duty and calls for urgent judicial intervention,” the petition noted.
In November, the top court issued notices to the Centre and others on the plea filed by Laxminarayanan.
In February, the Supreme Court had observed that unpredictable fluctuations in airfares were “exploitative,” and flagged the steep surge in ticket prices during festivals and peak travel periods.
“We will definitely interfere. Just see the exploitation during the Kumbh and other festivals. Just see the fares from Delhi to Prayagraj and Jodhpur-three times the normal,” Justice Nath had remarked, addressing Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, who appeared for the Centre.