Supreme Court seeks reply from govt, others on plea against abrupt airfare hikes
New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday sought response from the government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) on a plea seeking clear rules and an independent regulator to curb unpredictable airfares and extra charges by private airlines.
A bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the government and others on a public interest litigation by S Laxminarayanan, a social activist, alleging that unchecked and opaque airline practices such as abrupt fare increases, fewer services, inadequate grievance redressal, and unfair algorithm-driven pricing, are infringing upon citizens’ fundamental rights to equality, freedom of movement, and a life with dignity.
