The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on July 13 a public interest litigation seeking guidelines to prevent unpredictable fluctuations in airfares and the establishment of a robust, independent regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection in the civil aviation sector.
Plea by Social Activist
The petition has been filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, who has urged the court to direct the government to formulate clear rules to check arbitrary pricing by airlines. The plea argues that current fare variations often leave passengers vulnerable to exorbitant charges, especially during peak travel seasons or emergencies.
Bench Details
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta will take up the matter. The activist has sought a comprehensive regulatory framework that mandates fare transparency, caps on price surges, and a mechanism for passenger grievance redressal.
Key Demands
- Guidelines to curb sudden and steep airfare hikes.
- Establishment of an independent civil aviation regulator.
- Mandatory disclosure of fare components and pricing algorithms.
- Protection for passengers against unfair trade practices by airlines.
Background
The petition highlights that airfares in India can fluctuate dramatically within short periods, often without any corresponding change in operational costs. According to the activist, this unpredictability harms consumers and undermines trust in the aviation sector. The plea also cites instances where passengers were charged multiple times the standard fare during natural disasters or festive seasons.
Government's Stand
The central government has previously argued that airfare pricing is a commercial decision best left to market forces. However, the petitioner contends that self-regulation by airlines has failed, necessitating judicial intervention to protect passenger interests.
Impact and Next Steps
If the Supreme Court issues directives, it could lead to a significant overhaul of how airfares are determined in India. The hearing on July 13 will determine whether the court admits the plea and seeks responses from the government and aviation regulators.
