New Delhi, Dec 15: The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the recent IndiGo flight crisis, observing that a similar matter is already under consideration by the Delhi High Court.
A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant directed the PIL petitioner to approach the Delhi High Court, noting that the issue was already “seized of” by it. The Supreme Court also requested the High Court to allow the petitioner to intervene in the ongoing proceedings related to flight delays and cancellations involving IndiGo.
When the matter was taken up, Senior Advocate Mukul Rohatgi informed the Bench that the case was pending before the Delhi High Court and added that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had constituted a committee to examine the issue.
Addressing the petitioner, CJI Surya Kant said, “Now the Delhi High Court is seized of the matter. The moment we entertain a PIL, the High Court will stop hearing it. If you think that the High Court is not up to your standard and that you will appear only in the Supreme Court, then it is a different matter.”
The petitioner submitted that nearly 300 flights were being cancelled daily, causing severe hardship to passengers. In response, the CJI noted that the High Court, as a constitutional court, was fully competent to address the matter. He added that the petitioner could approach the Supreme Court later if grievances remained unresolved after the High Court’s decision.
“We appreciate your concern, but instead of parallel proceedings, you should go to the High Court. If it does not address your grievance, you may then come to us,” the CJI said.
