Supreme Court Flags Airfare Surges: A Call for Regulation

The Supreme Court scrutinizes the steep and unpredictable rise in airfares during festivals, highlighting passenger exploitation. The court is considering guidelines to regulate airfare fluctuations, responding to a plea for an oversight body ensuring transparency and consumer protection in India's civil aviation sector.

The Supreme Court has raised concerns over the unpredictable hikes in airfares during festive seasons, labeling it as exploitation of passengers. The court has intervened, seeking responses from the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to a public interest litigation demanding regulatory guidelines.

During a hearing, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta criticized airlines for exorbitant fees during events like 'Kumbh' and pointed out the disparity in fares to different destinations. Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik was granted time to respond, with the case set for further hearing on February 23.

A petition by social activist S Laxminarayanan calls for a powerful independent regulator to ensure transparency and protect passengers. The plea highlights arbitrary pricing, reduced baggage allowances, and the absence of fare cap mechanisms, underlining the need for urgent judicial intervention.

(With inputs from agencies.)