The Supreme Court of India is closely monitoring government efforts to tackle volatile airfares from private carriers during festival rushes. Updating on Monday, the Centre confirmed an ongoing probe into dynamic pricing and hidden fees that frustrate passengers.
Hearing a PIL before Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta, the court addressed complaints of non-transparent, algorithm-based fares and curtailed free baggage in aviation. This public-spirited challenge aims to protect consumer interests.
Government counsel ASG Anil Kaushik reported intensive consultations at the top level, with the Solicitor General summoning a key meeting. The issue is under discussion with high authorities, he added, seeking a four-week window for a formal reply.
The bench allowed the timeframe, scheduling the next listing for March 23. It labeled fare fluctuations in high-demand periods a ‘grave worry,’ underscoring the PIL’s merit. FIA’s impleadment request was turned down, as the government pledged pre-policy talks with industry players.
Filed last November by S. Lakshminarayanan through Charu Mathur, the petition decries air travel’s escalation into an ‘unregulated luxury.’ Essential service or not, fares balloon arbitrarily—doubling or tripling hourly amid festivals, emergencies, or peaks—affecting those with no travel alternatives.
The 10kg baggage slash is portrayed as converting inclusions to paid extras, boosting airline coffers unfairly. Branded arbitrary and Article 21-breaching, these tactics prompt demands for a dedicated tariff overseer with powers to regulate, monitor, and judge disputes.
This judicial push arrives amid rising travel anticipation. A regulated framework could curb exploitation, ensuring affordability and equity in India’s booming aviation market.