Blitz Bureau
NEW DELHI: The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that the issue of volatile airfares and add-on fees charged by private airlines during festive seasons and holidays is being examined at the highest level. A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) challenging the “opaque, exploitative, and algorithm-driven” pricing practices in India’s civil aviation sector, as well as the reduction in complimentary check-in baggage limits for passengers.
During the hearing, the Bench observed that fluctuations in airfare and imposition of additional charges during peak travel periods raise a matter of “very serious concern”. “This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don’t entertain Article 32 petitions,” the apex court remarked.
Appearing for the Union Government, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Kaushik submitted that consultations are underway at the highest levels of the government to address the concerns raised in the petition. “The Solicitor General has also called a meeting. We have taken the matter to the highest level. We are in discussion with the highest authority. Four weeks’ time may be granted, and we will come up with a counter,” he said.
Taking note of the submission, the apex court granted four weeks’ time to the Centre to file its response and listed the matter for further consideration on March 23.
