Will the Supreme Court Take Suo Moto Action on the Air India Plane Crash?

Synopsis
A petition has been filed with the Supreme Court urging urgent intervention following the tragic Air India crash near Ahmedabad, which claimed many lives, including resident doctors. The plea seeks compensation for victims' families and enhancements to safety protocols in medical institutions, highlighting the need for systemic reforms in aviation and healthcare.
Key Takeaways
- Petition urges Supreme Court for suo moto action.
- Compensation of Rs 50 lakh requested for victims' families.
- Calls for employment support for families of deceased.
- Demands enhanced safety protocols in medical institutions.
- Investigation will involve international experts.
New Delhi, June 13 (NationPress) A formal letter petition has been directed to the Chief Justice of India (CJI), B.R. Gavai, requesting the Supreme Court to initiate suo moto proceedings concerning the catastrophic crash of an Air India flight near Ahmedabad on Thursday.
The petition emphasizes the necessity for judicial oversight to facilitate prompt relief, justice, and necessary reforms following the tragic loss of many innocent lives, including resident doctors from Ahmedabad’s BJMC Medical College.
Furthermore, it demands that the Union government promptly declare and provide interim financial support of Rs 50 lakh to each victim's family, particularly those of the resident doctors.
"The heartbreaking loss of young medical students in the Air India Flight A1171 incident signifies not only individual grief but also a significant setback for our healthcare system. These students were on the path to becoming doctors dedicated to addressing the health requirements of our nation, especially in underserved regions," stated the petition filed through advocate Satayam Singh, underscoring that the compensation requested is not merely a gesture of goodwill but a crucial obligation of the state to its citizens.
The plea also requested additional rehabilitation assistance, including job opportunities for eligible family members of the victims of this tragic occurrence.
It further called on the Central government to establish a high-level committee consisting of retired Supreme Court/High Court judges, aviation specialists, actuaries, and economists to evaluate and determine final compensation for the victims' families. Additionally, it urged Air India to hasten the resolution of compensation claims without forcing families into lengthy legal battles.
The plea advocated for the development of guidelines aimed at enhancing safety protocols at medical colleges and hospitals nationwide to avert similar occurrences in the future and for the creation of comprehensive regulations to safeguard medical professionals and institutions.
Shortly after Air India Flight AI171 departed from Ahmedabad’s Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport en route to London’s Gatwick Airport, the aircraft tragically crashed near the Meghani Nagar area of Ahmedabad. The black box from Air India’s Flight AI171 has been retrieved, and investigations are underway to determine the cause of the crash. Indian investigators will be collaborating with experts from the US and UK in the coming days to conduct the inquiry. Meanwhile, seasoned pilots speculate that a twin-engine failure of the Boeing Dreamliner could have occurred, possibly due to a bird strike, contaminated fuel, blockage of fuel, or a combination of these issues.