Put passengers without masks on the no-fly list, says Delhi HC

The decision was finalized considering the reluctance of the passengers to follow Covid 19 protocols.

New Delhi: The Delhi High court on Friday issued strict measures against airline passengers violating Covid-19 protocols. In light of noting the reduced seriousness among the passengers, the court insisted the authorities including the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) strengthen the inspections at airports.

"The DGCA should give separate binding directions to all airlines to authorize the staff at airports and in aircraft, including air hostesses, captains, pilots, and others to take strict action against passengers who violate the masking and hand hygiene norms," said the court.

The Public Interest Litigation was submitted by the sitting judge Justice C Hari Shankar motivated by his recent experience at the airport. He stated it was so alarming to see how the passengers ignored the seriousness of the pandemic.

The court also relaxed the mandatory rule to wear N95 masks, encouraging the passengers to use surgical masks to prevent the contraction of the virus in closed, air-conditioned spaces.

The DGCA assured the court that passengers failing to follow the Covid protocol will be de-boarded and handed to the security agencies, for legal procedures under the guidelines of DGCA or the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

Details on matters regarding the further measures and actions to improvise hygiene policies will be considered during the hearing on July 18.