IndiGo crisis: Delhi HC to hear plea on compensation to flyers

The Delhi High Court will hear on Wednesday a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking directions to the Centre and the crisis-hit IndiGo airline to pay four times the full ticket price in compensation to all passengers whose tickets were cancelled during recent flight disruptions.

The PIL also sought an enquiry by a retired judge or Lokpal to identify the alleged negligence and lapses of the Directorate of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in precipitating the meltdown of IndiGo operations.

The petition also asks the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Department of Consumer Affairs to initiate a ‘class action suit’ under the Consumer Protection Act against IndiGo for the problems passengers have faced.

According to the petitioner, Centre for Accountability and Systemic Change (CASC), an independent think tank, the IndiGo fiasco has triggered widespread concern across the aviation sector.

The plea, filed by advocates Virag Gupta, Shourya Tiwari and Rupali Panwar, said airports became a sight of misdirected baggage, excessive holdups, inadequate communication and confusion about refunds or re-booking.

“IndiGo operates around 410 aircraft with 5,700 pilots, translating to roughly 14 pilots per aircraft. This skeletal staffing model is insufficient as new rest rules require more pilots to operate the same flight schedule,” the plea said.

“Instead of taking remedial, penal action and giving appropriate compensation as per the existing laws, the matter is being diverted in the name of an enquiry and emphasis on the need for new laws,” it added.