Why situation precipitated, are you helpless? HC tears into Centre

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday sharply questioned the central government for not acting sooner to contain the crisis triggered by widespread IndiGo flight cancellations, which left lakhs of passengers stranded across airports and sent ticket prices on other carriers surging to unprecedented levels.

- OUR CORRESPONDENT

A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela asked why the situation was permitted to deteriorate despite clear warnings about noncompliance with Flight Duty Time Limitation rules, including mandatory pilot rest norms, that were to take effect from November 1.

"The question is why, at all, this crisis arose and what have you been doing?" The bench remarked, directing both the government and IndiGo to ensure adequate compensation is paid to affected passengers. The court also asked whether authorities were "helpless" or unwilling to act against IndiGo after the airline failed to comply with the FDTL requirements by the stipulated deadline.

The judges noted that the issue extended beyond the hardship faced by travellers stranded for hours or days. The disruption, they said, had caused losses to the wider economy, which relies heavily on timely and efficient air travel. They further voiced concern over "harassment" reported by passengers and pointed out that the mobility of people is central to economic functioning.