IndiGo Crisis: Supreme Court refuses to intervene in IndiGo flight cancellation case, advises petitioner to approach Delhi High Court.

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear a public interest litigation (PIL) regarding the cancellation of hundreds of flights by IndiGo Airlines. The court directed the petitioner, Narendra Mishra, to approach the Delhi High Court with his grievances, as a similar matter is already being heard there. A ​​bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice Vipul M. Pancholi stated that the Delhi High Court is already hearing a case related to IndiGo flight cancellations, and therefore, the petitioner should present his case there.

However, the court also said that if the grievances are not addressed in the High Court, the petitioner can approach the Supreme Court again. During the hearing, the court was informed that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has constituted an expert committee to investigate the cancellation of IndiGo flights and the resulting inconvenience to passengers. This committee will review the reasons for the flight cancellations and their impact on passengers. The Supreme Court acknowledged that since the matter is already before the Delhi High Court and the DGCA, it would not hear the case directly at this time.

Delhi High Court had already expressed displeasure.

Earlier, on December 10, the Delhi High Court had questioned the central government on why timely action was not taken to address the crisis caused by IndiGo flight cancellations. The High Court had stated that millions of passengers were stranded, and other airlines charged exorbitant prices. The petition filed in the Delhi High Court demanded that the central government issue directions to provide assistance and refunds to the passengers.

DGCA forms expert committee

On the other hand, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for IndiGo, informed the court that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had constituted an expert committee on December 5. This committee will investigate the reasons for the flight cancellations and the difficulties faced by passengers. The Supreme Court then suggested that the petitioner could participate in the proceedings before the Delhi High Court and present all his arguments there.

Passenger inconvenience is a major concern

Petitioner Narendra Mishra told the court that passengers are facing immense difficulties due to the flight cancellations. The Chief Justice remarked that it is a serious issue, but since the Delhi High Court is already handling the matter, the solution should be sought there. It is worth noting that IndiGo has cancelled hundreds of flights, citing changes in pilots' duty and flight regulations, causing significant inconvenience to millions of passengers at airports across the country.