High Court Scrutinizes DGCA: Pilots Guild Contempt Plea Over Flight Duty Time Rules

The Delhi High Court is reviewing a contempt plea by the Indian Pilots Guild against the Directorate General of Civil Aviation. The Guild alleges non-compliance with court-approved flight duty time limitation norms, accusing the DGCA of allowing rule relaxations that compromise pilot fatigue management and passenger safety.

The Delhi High Court has demanded a response from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) following a contempt plea filed by the Indian Pilots Guild. The guild accuses the DGCA of failing to implement new flight duty time limitation norms approved by the court earlier this year.

The plea claims that airlines received unjust extensions and relaxations in pilot fatigue management rules, breaching the Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) 2024 framework. Justice Amit Sharma issued a notice to DGCA, urging compliance with the court's directives.

DGCA's counsel countered, emphasizing that while implementation timelines are binding, the regulator retains authority to grant temporary exemptions. The court scheduled further hearings for April 17, as the controversy surrounding pilot safety regulations persists.

(With inputs from agencies.)