The Delhi High Court, on Wednesday, came down heavily on the Centre over skyrocketing airfares amid the ongoing IndiGo crisis, asking how the government let other airlines take advantage of the situation.
A bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, hearing a PIL seeking an independent judicial probe into the IndiGo crisis and resultant flight cancellations, asked how other airlines could take advantage of the crisis situation and charge hefty sums for tickets.
"What actions taken to ensure that the employees of service providers behave responsibly? The ticket which was available for ₹5,000, prices went up to ₹30,000 to 35,000. Question also is, if there was a crisis how can other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can it go up to ₹-30,000 to 35,000? How could other airlines start charging? How can it happen," the bench sought to know, reported LiveLaw.
An ANI report recently said the tickets had even gone up as much as ₹80,000.
The high court said, besides the trouble and harassment caused to the stranded passengers, the question is of the losses caused to the country's economy.
The bench directed that by January 22, the next date of hearing, if the inquiry initiated by a committee is complete, its report should be submitted to the court in a sealed cover.
"We appreciate the steps taken by the ministry of civil aviation and the DGCA, but what bothers us is how such a situation was allowed to precipitate, leading to the stranding of lakhs of passengers at airports across the country.
"This has not only caused trouble to the passengers but also affected the economy of the country as in the present day, fast movement of passengers is an important aspect to keep the economy moving," the bench said.
The government informed the court that the current crisis was on account of various non-compliances of the guidelines issued by the authorities from time to time, including flight duty hours of the crew members.
"In case any airline failed to adhere, what is the provision available to you in case of failure by these airlines? Are you helpless? What action could you take against them for failure to adhere?" the bench asked.
During the hearing, the bench expressed dissatisfaction over the manner in which the petition was filed without any research and documentation. When the petitioner was asked about the latest developments and the initiatives taken by the government, he said he is not fully aware. "You are not fully aware, but you have filed a PIL here. This is not a merry-go-round...We understand the situation. But the government has started taking action," the bench said.