Is There an 'Unprecedented Operational Collapse' at IndiGo Airlines? PIL Seeks Supreme Court's Help
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Synopsis
In a major legal move, a public interest litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court regarding the operational upheaval at IndiGo Airlines, which has led to over 1,000 flight cancellations. The plea urges for immediate judicial intervention to uphold citizens' rights amidst growing chaos at airports.
Key Takeaways
- Urgent judicial intervention sought for IndiGo Airlines crisis.
- Over 1,000 flights cancelled, affecting countless passengers.
- PIL claims violation of fundamental rights under Article 21.
- Request for alternative travel arrangements for stranded passengers.
- Call for accountability from DGCA and civil aviation authorities.
New Delhi, Dec 6 (NationPress) A public interest litigation (PIL) has been lodged with the Supreme Court, demanding immediate judicial action concerning the unprecedented operational failure of IndiGo Airlines, which has seen over 1,000 flight cancellations in recent days.
The petition, submitted by 'IndiGo All Passenger and Another' and represented by advocate Narendra Mishra, called on the Apex Court to take suo motu cognizance of this crisis, declaring it a serious infringement of citizens' fundamental rights, particularly the right to life and dignity as enshrined in Article 21.
The petition argues that the turmoil caused by widespread cancellations and significant delays has escalated into a humanitarian crisis at major airports.
Passengers—including senior citizens, infants, and those with medical needs—reportedly found themselves without access to food, water, rest areas, or emergency help.
According to the plea, “The situation has transcended a mere contractual dispute between the airline and consumer. It has become a matter of grave public injury and a clear violation of the Fundamental Right to Life and Liberty (Article 21) of the citizens of India.”
IndiGo attributes these disruptions to planning oversights during the implementation of the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms for pilots.
The petition asserts that both the airline and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) failed to provide adequate anticipatory oversight.
The PIL points out that exorbitant fares, soaring above Rs 50,000 on crucial routes, have effectively held the travelling public hostage and undermined the fundamental promise of affordable air travel.
Requesting a Special Bench for urgent hearing, the petition implores the Supreme Court to mandate IndiGo to halt arbitrary cancellations and to arrange free alternative travel for all stranded passengers, including securing seats on other airlines or trains.
Additionally, it calls for directions to the DGCA and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry to provide a comprehensive status report, including the full text of the revised FDTL norms and a detailed strategy for monitoring IndiGo's compliance and safe service restoration.
Claiming that countless citizens were deprived of essential services during this national-level distress, the petition argues that only immediate judicial oversight can restore accountability and public trust in India's civil aviation sector.
Point of View
The ongoing crisis with IndiGo Airlines underscores serious lapses in operational management and regulatory oversight. The petitioner's concerns reflect not just consumer rights but also fundamental human rights, as the chaos at airports affects vulnerable populations. As we navigate this complex issue, it is essential that accountability and safety remain paramount in India's aviation landscape.
NationPress
06/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main issue highlighted in the PIL?
The PIL addresses the operational collapse of IndiGo Airlines, leading to over 1,000 flight cancellations, and seeks judicial intervention to protect citizens' rights.
What rights are being invoked in the PIL?
The plea invokes Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and dignity, claiming that the airline's actions violate these fundamental rights.
What does the petition request from the Supreme Court?
It requests a halt to arbitrary cancellations, provision of alternative travel arrangements, and a comprehensive status report from the DGCA and the Union Civil Aviation Ministry.
How has IndiGo Airlines responded to the crisis?
IndiGo has attributed the disruptions to planning lapses related to the revised Flight Duty Time Limitation norms for pilots.
What are the implications of this legal action?
This legal action could reshape accountability standards within the aviation sector and influence how airlines manage operational crises in the future.
