FLUCTUATING AIR FARES A 'VERY SERIOUS CONCERN', SAYS APEX COURT

The Supreme Court on Monday termed the issue of unpredictable fluctuations in air fares and ancillary charges levied by private airlines as “serious,” asking the Union government to consider the issue and provide a formal response.

- Utkarsh Anand

A bench of justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said that fluctuating airfares and add-on charges during festive seasons were a matter of a “very serious concern”, warranting consideration under Article 32 of the Constitution.

The bench made the observation while hearing a writ petition filed by social activist S Laxminarayan, who sought regulatory guidelines to curb unpredictable and steep variations in airfare.

"This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don't entertain Article 32 petition (for enforcement of fundamental rights)," remarked the bench, underscoring that the matter merited the Court's attention.

Appearing for the Union government, Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik informed the court that the issue was being examined "at the highest level" and that an affidavit would be filed within four weeks.

"The Solicitor General also called a meeting. We have taken the matter to the highest level. We are in discussion with the highest authority. Four weeks' time may be given; we will come up with a counter," Kaushik submitted.