- SC directs Centre to submit Indian Aircraft Act rules.
- Plea seeks regulation against unpredictable airline charges.
- Calls for independent aviation regulator for passenger protection.
The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Centre to place before it, within two weeks, the rules framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, while hearing a plea seeking regulatory guidelines to curb unpredictable fluctuations in airfares and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines.
The apex court further directed the government to place the rules in a sealed cover even if the rules have already been laid before Parliament.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta passed the order after the Centre informed it that the draft rules were ready and were currently undergoing translation.
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Demand for Passenger Safety and Independent Aviation Regulator
While the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, was enforced in January 2025 to bring a change to the Indian aviation industry, the rules and regulations associated with it are yet to be issued.The Supreme Court petition also argues for the establishment of a strong, independent aviation regulator in the country to make the sector more transparent and responsible and provide better protection for passengers.
According to the petitioner, in the absence of a robust regulatory mechanism, private airlines charge volatile airfares and ancillary charges, particularly during peak demand seasons, and travellers are unable to protest or seek remedies for such charges.