Industry Odisha Bureau, Sep 06: India’s Supreme Court will hear a key airfare-regulation plea on September 7. The petition seeks guidelines against unpredictable fare fluctuations. It also challenges ancillary charges imposed by private airlines. The Centre has fast-tracked new aviation rules in response. Passenger protection remains central to this ongoing legal dispute.
The matter will be heard by a two-judge bench. Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta will preside over proceedings. The petition demands a robust, independent civil aviation regulator. It seeks transparency and stronger passenger protection measures overall. The plea also targets unchecked ancillary fees charged by airlines.
On August 17, the Centre updated the court on progress. It said aviation rules had been fast-tracked for completion. These rules fall under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. The government promised finalisation within three weeks of that hearing. Draft rules were submitted to the bench in sealed cover.
The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 took effect in January 2025. Its corresponding rules were still being prepared then. The Centre had sought additional time to finalise them. This law aims to modernise India’s broader aviation framework significantly.
The Supreme Court has raised airfare concerns in past hearings. In May, it called for some fare rationalisation. It also asked the Centre to help ordinary flyers. Earlier in January, the court flagged steep festival-season fare spikes. It described such exorbitant increases as a form of exploitation.
The petition also raises concerns about baggage allowance changes. It alleges airlines cut economy check-in baggage from 25kg to 15kg. This shift, it claims, converted a service into revenue. The plea challenges single-piece check-in policies without compensation options. These claims remain allegations made within the petitioner’s filing.
Filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, the plea seeks accountability. It argues no authority currently reviews or caps airfares. The petition says ancillary fees also escape regulatory oversight entirely. This gap, it claims, lets airlines impose unpredictable, hidden charges freely.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation has been asked to respond. Courts earlier sought replies from the Centre and DGCA. In November last year, the court sought initial responses on this plea. On July 13, it directed the Centre to submit draft rules. These were required in sealed cover, regardless of parliamentary status.
The petitioner’s counsel has argued existing rules remain weak. Until new rules take effect, older provisions continue applying. He questioned regulatory willingness to address exorbitant airline pricing. The upcoming hearing arrives as new aviation rules near finalisation. Its outcome could shape how India regulates airfares going forward.
