The Centre on Monday informed the Supreme Court that the Ministry of Civil Aviation is actively considering issues raised in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking regulatory guidelines to control erratic surges in airfares and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta described the matter as “serious” and granted four weeks for the government to conclude its deliberations. “This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don’t entertain 32 petitions,” the bench remarked.
Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, appearing for the Centre, said the ministry requires at least three weeks to file its response, noting that the issues flagged in the PIL are under active review. The court posted the matter for further hearing on March 23.
The PIL, filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, had highlighted the sharp and unpredictable rise in airfares, particularly during festivals. On January 19, the top court had described the practice as “exploitation” and directed the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to respond.
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The plea contends that airlines have arbitrarily reduced free check-in baggage allowance for economy class passengers from 25 kg to 15 kg, creating new revenue streams without passenger benefits. It argues that the lack of a regulatory mechanism allows opaque pricing, dynamic fare algorithms, and hidden charges, which violate citizens’ rights to equality, freedom of movement, and dignity.
It also pointed out that fare surges disproportionately impact economically weaker passengers, who often have no choice but to travel at short notice, while wealthier travellers can plan ahead to avoid inflated prices.
“The absence of regulatory safeguards results in arbitrary fare hikes, especially during festivals or emergencies, and constitutes a dereliction of constitutional duty,” the PIL said.
The petition seeks a robust, independent regulator to ensure transparency, passenger protection, and accountability across the civil aviation sector.
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