India's Supreme Court pressed Union government to move quickly on airfares,pointing to wide price gaps among airlines on same routes. On May 15,2026, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta tackled public interest case from activist S. Laxminarayan,pushing for binding rules to curb arbitrary pricing and extra charges,especially during peak travel times.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta,speaking for DGCA and government, told court the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024 is in place,with rules still being consulted on. He promised all angles would be looked at in making these rules .
But Justice Mehta worried about passengers facing wild fare swings. One airline might ask ₹8,000 for flight, another ₹18,000,on same day. "Try to provide some relief to passengers in view of this disparity," he urged.
While acknowledging issue,Mehta stressed long-term fixes need statutory rules under new aviation framework. "I am not disputing problem, but solution has to be by statutory rules," he said. Meanwhile,senior advocate Ravindra Srivastava,for petitioner,argued existing powers aren't being used well. Even under old Aircraft Act of 1934,authorities could tackle predatory pricing.
"They are not issuing any directions. Rules are there, power is there, but it is a case of non-exercise of powers," he contended . Bench agreed,stressing need for airfare rationalization and asked about timeline for finalizing new rules .
Mehta said process is underway but would take "some time". Next hearing set for July; petitioner can respond to government's affidavit .
Filed by advocate Charu Mathur,the petition flagged lack of regulatory body to review or cap airfares. This lets airlines impose hidden fees, unpredictable pricing,hitting poorer passengers hardest who must buy during peak surge pricing . Wealthier travelers can book in advance.
In its affidavit,Union government stated Ministry of Civil Aviation and DGCA are in "advanced stage" of drafting rules under 2024 Act,replacing Aircraft Rules of 1937. Government is pushing to speed this up given current situation.
DGCA noted issues in petition,like surge pricing during holidays and baggage fees,are under review for new regulations. It suggested treating public interest litigation as recommendations and closing it .
Government's push to make air travel cheaper is clear in its shift from command-and-control to deregulated model with safeguards. Affidavit noted Union steps in decisively when market behavior threatens public interest,as seen during pandemic and other events.
Also,Centre noted rule-making involves layers of scrutiny, including mandatory parliamentary oversight under Section 35 of 2024 Act. Proposed rules must go before both Houses of Parliament for at least 30 days. Affidavit finished,"This rigorous statutory process is essential to ensure that the proposed rules are clear,effective,and in the public interest…"
