New Delhi — The Indian government told the Supreme Court on Monday that new rules governing airlines, including regulations on airfares, surge pricing and excess baggage charges, will be finalized within three weeks.
The rules are being framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, which took effect in January 2025.
The government gave the assurance after the Supreme Court asked it to take action against airlines that fail to comply with its directions on airfare practices. Officials said the rulemaking process had been fast-tracked and that the Ministry of Civil Aviation has meanwhile been issuing directives to airlines on pricing.
A petition filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan alleged that airlines were disregarding the government’s directions. In response, the Supreme Court said airlines that failed to comply should be “grounded.”
The case is scheduled for its next hearing on Sept. 7.
The petition seeks tighter regulation of airfares and stronger protections for passengers against arbitrary and steep increases in ticket prices.
Last month, the Supreme Court directed the government to submit the rules framed under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. The court also said the rules should be provided in a sealed cover even if they had not yet been placed before Parliament.
The Supreme Court has been examining airline pricing practices for several months. In January, it said it would review “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfares, particularly sharp increases during holiday periods. The court described excessive fare hikes as exploitation and sought responses from the government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
During a May 15 hearing, the court said there should be some rationalization of airfares and asked the government to provide relief to passengers.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the government, had told the court that the 2024 law took effect in January 2025 and that the accompanying rules were still being prepared. (Source: IANS)
