SC refuses urgent hearing; tells petitioner 'don't travel by air' over 700% fare hike allegation
· India · Hindustan Times, Times of India, The Hindu
The Supreme Court refused urgent listing of a petition alleging nearly 700 per cent increase in airfares, telling the advocate 'Don't travel by air.' The bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Aparesh Kumar Singh heard the advocate's submission that air travel is an essential service and a violation of Article 14. The court noted the aviation fare had increased by 700 per cent despite the advocate's argument. The apex court is already hearing a separate petition by social activist S Laxminarayanan seeking a robust regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection in civil aviation. During a hearing on October 16, the Centre informed the court that administrative approval had been granted to rules under the 2024 Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, likely to be published in two weeks. The court had asked the Solicitor General to place the published rules before it on November 16.
Why it matters
The Supreme Court's rebuke highlights severe passenger distress from uncontrolled airfare spikes, while the pending regulatory framework under the 2024 aviation law could bring much-needed transparency and fare controls. Travelers face unpredictable price surges pending the court's next hearing on November 16.
Read the original report — Hindustan Times
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