New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking judicial intervention into the cancellation of hundreds of IndiGo flights, directing the petitioner to approach the Delhi High Court with his grievances.
The Delhi High Court, on December 10, had questioned the central government over its failure to act promptly to address the crisis caused by the widespread flight cancellations, which left lakhs of passengers stranded and forced other airlines to charge exorbitant fares. The PIL sought directions for the Centre to provide support and refunds to affected passengers.
On Monday, a bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justices Joymalya Bagchi and Vipul M. Pamcholi noted petitioner Narendra Mishra’s submission that the plea required a hearing at the Supreme Court. The bench, however, observed that the high court was already seized of a similar PIL and asked Mishra to approach the Delhi High Court, granting him liberty to return to the top court if his grievances were not addressed.
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for IndiGo, informed the bench that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had set up an expert committee on December 5 to examine the cancellations and the resulting issues faced by passengers.
The bench said, “It is pointed out that a petition is pending before the Delhi High Court. The petitioner is permitted to join proceedings before the Delhi High Court. If grievances are not redressed, nothing prevents him or any other public-spirited individual from approaching this court.”
Mishra highlighted the hardships faced by passengers due to repeated flight cancellations. Chief Justice Surya Kant remarked, “It is a grave concern for the public… but the high court is looking into it. It is also a constitutional court. If your grievances are not redressed, then you can come here.”
Earlier, the bench refused to grant an urgent hearing for the plea, noting that the Centre had taken cognisance of the situation and initiated steps to address it.
IndiGo has faced criticism from both the government and passengers for cancelling hundreds of flights, citing regulatory changes in pilots’ flight duty and regulations norms. The disruptions have left lakhs of travellers stranded at airports across India.
With PTI inputs