The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sharply questioned the Union Government over the escalating IndiGo crisis, asking the Centre to clarify how such a large-scale disruption was allowed to unfold. The court noted that the situation has caused severe inconvenience to passengers and raised concerns over its broader economic impact.
IndiGo has cancelled more than 4,600 flights over the past nine days, leaving thousands of passengers stranded across airports nationwide. Taking cognizance of the issue, a bench led by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya demanded clarity on responsibility and immediate remedial steps.
“Why did such a situation precipitate? Who is responsible?” the Chief Justice asked, according to LiveLaw.
“It is not just about passengers stranded at airports. The question is the loss to the economy,” he added.
Court Questions Passenger Compensation, Employee Conduct
The high court also pressed the Centre and aviation authorities on whether any concrete measures had been taken to compensate affected passengers. Concerns were raised about the conduct and accountability of IndiGo employees during the crisis, which has triggered widespread frustration.
Unreasonable Surge in Airfares
A key issue highlighted by the bench was the sharp rise in airfares by other airlines following IndiGo’s mass cancellations.
“The disruption has resulted in an unreasonable surge in fares being charged by other airlines,” the court observed, calling the situation an “alarm” that demands urgent intervention.
Court Critical of PIL, Yet Takes Cognizance
Although the court expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed—citing inadequate research, lack of supporting evidence, and missing statutory references—it still decided to move forward due to the significant public interest involved.
“However, with regard to public interest, we have taken cognizance,” the order reads.
Centre Asked to Respond by December 20
The court has directed the Central Government to file a detailed response by December 20, outlining:
The factors that led to the crisis
Accountability for the mass cancellations
Steps taken to support stranded passengers
Measures to address the surge in airfares
With the IndiGo crisis continuing to disrupt travel nationwide, the Delhi High Court’s intervention pressures the Centre to act swiftly and transparently as the situation unfolds.