The Delhi High Court is demanding answers in a heated case that has left many stranded and frustrated. How did airlines get away with sky-high fares?
The court is questioning the government's role in the recent IndiGo crisis, which caused widespread flight cancellations and left passengers scrambling for alternatives. The issue? Fares skyrocketed to almost Rs 40,000, leaving many wondering why the government didn't intervene sooner.
But here's where it gets controversial. Justice Gedela asked, 'How could other airlines be allowed to profit from the crisis?' The court is puzzled as to why the government didn't step in to regulate prices, especially when flights to foreign cities were cheaper than domestic routes.
For instance, a one-way economy ticket between Mumbai and Delhi soared to Rs 35,000, while a last-minute round trip usually costs half that. The court wants to know why the government's measures were reactive instead of preventive.
The additional solicitor general listed the steps taken, but the court wasn't satisfied. They asked, 'Why did this situation arise in the first place, and what proactive measures were in place?' The court also raised concerns about pilot overwork and the lack of accountability.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) issued a notice to IndiGo, who apologized. Yet, the court's concern remains: How could this chaos be allowed to affect so many passengers and the country's economy? They are seeking compensation for passengers and demanding responsible behavior from service providers.
And this is the part most people miss: The government's crackdown on IndiGo includes a reduced flight schedule, but is this enough? Union Civil Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu promises strict action, but will it address the root cause? The court's inquiry continues, leaving the public with questions about the future of air travel regulation.
