SC warns airlines to follow fare rules or halt flights

The Supreme Court on Wednesday took a stern view of exorbitant airfares during festivals and holidays, saying airlines that fail to follow fixed rules should have their flights stopped. A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta said passenger interests must be protected but the system lacks effective enforcement.

Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik told the court the Centre is finalising new rules on fares and charges, and submitted a sealed draft. The government said it needs three weeks to finalise the rules before presenting them to the court. Petitioner S. Lakshmi Narayanan alleged airlines fix fares arbitrarily and levy hidden charges, demanding transparent pricing and stronger regulation.

The court had earlier described sudden fare hikes as passenger exploitation and noted differences of up to Rs 10,000 on the same route. The next hearing is scheduled for September 7, when the Centre will present the final draft rules.