The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking higher compensation for passengers of IndiGo airline whose flights were cancelled during November and December. The disruptions followed the implementation of new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms, raising significant concerns among stranded travellers.
A Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, ruled that the court had already acknowledged the issue in an ongoing PIL. They granted the petitioner, the Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), the liberty to intervene in that matter.
The court stated, “We do not see any reason as to why the concerns raised here cannot be taken up in the earlier petition.” The judges observed that the Supreme Court and High Courts have established jurisprudence that permits expansion of scope in public interest cases.
The PIL aimed to compel IndiGo and the Centre to offer four times the full ticket price as compensation due to widespread cancellations and chaotic conditions at airports. CASC President, Prof Vikram Singh, outlined how the sudden flight cancellations caused substantial inconvenience, leaving many passengers stranded.
Advocate Virag Gupta, representing the petitioner, described airports as chaotic. He highlighted issues like misdirected baggage, long delays, insufficient communication from IndiGo, and confusion about refunds and re-bookings. Gupta insisted that passengers deserved a clearer path to compensation and support.
Further, the PIL called for an independent inquiry led by a retired judge or Lokpal. It sought to investigate alleged negligence by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) regarding its oversight during this crisis.
Previously, on December 10, the Delhi High Court questioned the Central Government’s failure to address the significant flight cancellations effectively. The court inquired why the situation escalated, putting lakhs of passengers in distress, while other airlines reportedly took advantage by raising ticket prices.
These concerns arose during hearings of another PIL aimed at ensuring assistance and refunds for passengers affected by the hundreds of cancellations. Critics have pointed fingers at IndiGo since the start of December for its widespread flight cancellations attributed to changes in pilot duty times under the revised FDTL framework.
IndiGo has found itself facing mounting criticism from government officials and passengers alike due to its management of the situation, which raised issues of accountability and regulatory oversight. As the matter continues, the aviation sector watches closely, eager for resolution and clarity on passenger rights amid operational disruptions.
