Overview
- The Supreme Court, in a hearing on Friday, urged the Centre to curb fare volatility after noting economy tickets of ₹8,000 and ₹18,000 on the same route the same day.
- Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, is in force and that pricing and consumer rules are being drafted through consultations.
- The bench declined interim directions, asked the petitioner to reply to the Centre’s affidavit, and listed the case for further hearing on July 13.
- The PIL by social activist S. Laxminarayan seeks binding norms on surge pricing, clearer rules on baggage and add‑on fees, and an independent regulator to protect flyers.
- Petitioners say the DGCA already has powers to act but is not using them, while the Centre says durable fixes must come through new rules that are at an advanced stage and will face parliamentary scrutiny.