Supreme Court Seeks Final Aviation Rules Amid Plea Against Arbitrary Airline Ticket Prices
The Supreme Court granted the Centre two weeks to place the finalised aviation rules before it despite the pending parliamentary process, while hearing allegations of arbitrary airline fares and inadequate enforcement against unfair pricing practices
The Supreme Court directed the Centre to place the finalised aviation rules before it within two weeks while hearing a plea alleging arbitrary airline fares and inadequate regulation
The Supreme Court on Monday questioned the Union Government over the delay in notifying new aviation rules amid complaints of arbitrary airline ticket pricing and inadequate regulatory oversight, directing the Centre to place the finalised rules before it within two weeks, irrespective of whether they have been laid before Parliament.
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a petition seeking effective regulation of the civil aviation sector and action against alleged predatory pricing by airlines during peak travel periods.
Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Anil Kaushik informed the Court, on instructions, that the draft aviation rules had already been finalised and were presently undergoing translation. He submitted that, under the statutory process, the rules would also have to be laid before both Houses of Parliament for 30 days.
The petitioner, however, objected to the submission, arguing that the Centre should first produce the finalised rules before the Court and that the parliamentary procedure could not become a ground for further delay.
Accepting the objection, the Bench directed the Centre to place the framed rules before the Court within two weeks, "irrespective of the fact whether they are placed before the Houses of Parliament or not."
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 3, 2026.
During the hearing, the petitioner argued that the existing regulatory framework was itself not being implemented despite conferring sufficient powers upon authorities.
"The old rules are still operating. Why are they not being implemented?" the petitioner asked.
It was contended that Rule 135(4) already empowers aviation authorities to take action against predatory pricing and unfair trade practices by airlines, but "not a single example" of such enforcement had emerged over the years.
Highlighting concerns over airfares, the petitioner submitted that airlines were allegedly charging exorbitant ticket prices during periods of high demand.
According to the petitioner, the fuel component accounts for only 8–10% of the airfare, yet ticket prices often increase by 100–300%, indicating no rational correlation between operational costs and fare escalation.
The petitioner further sought the establishment of an independent aviation regulator, arguing that the present institutional framework was inadequate to ensure fair pricing and consumer protection.
"The airlines are too powerful. An independent regulator is needed, not merely a bureaucratic setup," counsel for the petitioner submitted.
The Centre, however, maintained that until the new rules come into force, the existing legal framework continues to govern the sector.
The Supreme Court will now examine the finalised aviation rules when the matter is taken up again on August 3, 2026.
Previously
In May, the Bench had expressed concern over steep and unpredictable airfare hikes by private airlines during festive seasons and holidays, observing that there has to be some “rationalisation” in ticket pricing.
Notably, in February the Court had observed that fluctuations in airfare of private airlines during festive seasons and holidays is a matter of "serious concern". The bench had said, "This is a very serious concern. Otherwise, we don’t entertain 32 petition".
Previously, the Court had granted four weeks to the Union of India, Directorate General of Civil Aviation and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India to file its counter affidavit in the petition filed by social activist and frequent air traveller, S. Laxminarayanan seeking urgent judicial intervention to curb what he described as “unchecked, opaque and exploitative” airfare practices by private airlines in India.
Case Title: S. Laxminarayanan v. Union of India & Ors.
Bench: Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta
Hearing Date: July 13, 2026