The Supreme Court of India has been informed by the Centre that it is accelerating efforts to establish rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, with an expectation to complete the process within three weeks. This development comes following a hearing where Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta expressed concerns over compliance amongst airlines.
The government provided a draft of the proposed regulations to the court in a sealed envelope. They indicated that final discussions regarding these rules are underway, which went under review by the Supreme Court during the proceedings.
Warnings Issued to Airlines Regarding Compliance
This judicial attention aligns with a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, who is advocating for a strengthened aviation regulatory framework. The PIL underscores the necessity for a transparent and independent regulator to protect passengers and ensure fair practices in the civil aviation industry.
Concerns Over Airfare Fluctuations and Service Changes
<h4.Additionally, the petition raises significant concerns regarding the current regulatory environment, noting that no authority has the power to scrutinise, limit, or manage airfares or additional fees. This lack of oversight permits airlines to impose unpredictable charges and operate with minimal accountability to consumers, raising alarm over the need for comprehensive regulatory guidelines.