Supreme Court refuses urgent listing of plea over 700 per cent airfare hike
A bench of three judges remarked to a petitioner that they should not travel by air after refusing an urgent hearing.
The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant an urgent listing for a plea alleging that airfares have increased by nearly 700 per cent, according to The Hindu.
A Bench comprising Justices Vikram Nath, Sandeep Mehta and Aparesh Kumar Singh made the observation "Don't travel by air" after an advocate mentioned the matter for an urgent hearing.
The advocate argued that air travel is an essential service and that the price surge constitutes a violation of Article 14 of the Constitution, which concerns equality before law.
The court is currently hearing a separate petition by social activist S. Laxminarayanan, who is seeking an independent regulator to ensure transparency and control unpredictable fluctuations in pricing and ancillary charges.
During an October 16 hearing, the Centre stated that administrative approval has been given for rules under 2024 legislation to regulate the aviation sector, with publication expected in two weeks.
The court has directed Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to present the published rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, at the next hearing on November 16.