New Delhi, Feb 23 (NationPress) The Central government has updated the Supreme Court regarding the escalating airfares and additional charges imposed by private airlines during festive seasons and holidays, asserting that the matter is being scrutinized at the utmost level.

A panel comprising Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was reviewing a public interest litigation (PIL) that challenges the "opaque, exploitative, and algorithm-driven" pricing methods within India's civil aviation sector, in addition to the reduced limits for complimentary check-in baggage for travelers.

Representing the Union government, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Kaushik stated that discussions are in progress at the highest echelons of the government to tackle the issues outlined in the petition.

"The Solicitor General has convened a meeting. We have escalated the issue to the highest levels. We are in talks with the top authority. We request a four-week extension to provide a comprehensive response," stated the Centre's legal representative.

Recognizing the submission, the apex court granted the Centre four weeks to submit its response and scheduled the matter for further deliberation on March 23.

During the proceedings, the bench led by Justice Vikram Nath remarked that the fluctuation of airfares and the imposition of extra charges during peak travel times constitute a matter of "very serious concern."

"This is a highly concerning issue. Typically, we do not consider Article 32 petitions," the apex court noted.

It also refused to accept the Federation of Indian Airlines' (FIA) request to be included in the proceedings, indicating that the Union government would consult stakeholders prior to any policy decisions.

"The Union (government) will engage with you. They will invite you for discussions before making a decision. A committee will be established to address these matters. The decision lies with the Ministry. If they do not act, we will revisit that later," the bench remarked.

In November 2025, the Supreme Court acknowledged a plea from social activist S. Laxminarayanan, who argued that air travel, deemed an essential service under the Essential Services Maintenance Act, has become increasingly inaccessible due to "unregulated, unpredictable, and exploitative" fare practices.

The petition, submitted through advocate Charu Mathur, claimed that sudden fare surges—occasionally doubling or tripling within hours during emergencies, festivals, or peak travel times—disproportionately impact passengers who must travel urgently due to medical, educational, or employment needs.

Moreover, it contended that airlines have slashed the complimentary check-in baggage limit from 25 kg to 15 kg without sufficient justification, effectively transforming a previously included service into an additional revenue source through excess-baggage fees.

Labeling these practices as arbitrary and a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, the petition urged the apex court to compel the Centre to develop a regulatory framework or establish an autonomous aviation tariff regulator with quasi-judicial powers to oversee airfare structures, ensure compliance, and resolve passenger complaints.