Petitions before Supreme Court, Delhi High Court over Indigo flight cancellation crisis

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed concern over the ongoing chaos caused by cancellation and delays in flights of Indigo airline.

The bench of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi noted that people are stranded at the airports and many of them may have health issues.

However, the Court also said that the Central government has taken cognizance of the issue.

"It is a serious matter. Lakhs of people are stranded at the airports. We know that..govt of India has taken timely action and cognizance of the issue. We know people may have health issues etc," CJI Kant said.

The Court made the remarks after a mentioning was made for listing of a petition on the issue. A counsel said that there are a lot of vacancies in Indigo and passengers are suffering due to the ongoing situation.

"Customers are not informed," the counsel added.

The Court, however, did not immediately order listing of the case. The plea is likely to be listed in routine.

A similar petition has also been moved before the Delhi High Court. The plea seeks directions for refund of the fare paid by people affected by Indigo crisis.

"We have filed a PIL in Indigo issue. Several people are stuck. Ground situation at airports is inhumane. We are expecting the court to pass orders to Indigo and ground support for people stranded at the airport. There is no proper refund," a counsel submitted before the High Court today.

Though the division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that government has already issued certain directions, it agreed to list the matter on Wednesday.

Indigo has been severally hit due to the shortage of pilots and its failure to implement the new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL). Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has granted an exemption to Indigo to tackle the ongoing crisis.

However, the daily cancellation of flights continues at major airports.