New Delhi, 15 December (H.S.): The Supreme Court on Monday declined to hear a petition related to the ongoing Indigo Airlines crisis, observing that a similar case is already pending before the Delhi High Court. The bench, headed by Chief Justice Surya Kant, advised the petitioner to raise all his concerns before the High Court, which is already seized of the matter.

The apex court also requested the Delhi High Court to afford the petitioner an opportunity to present his submissions in the ongoing case. The petition had been filed by advocate Narendra Mishra, who argued that thousands of passengers are facing daily inconvenience due to widespread flight disruptions.

While acknowledging the gravity of the issue, the Supreme Court noted that the Delhi High Court is also a constitutional court fully competent to address such matters, and therefore, it is appropriate for the petitioner to approach it.

Earlier, on December 10, the Delhi High Court had taken suo motu cognizance of the crisis involving Indigo Airlines. A bench led by Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya questioned the airline over its apparent failure to maintain adequate pilot strength to comply with Flight Duty Limitation regulations.

The court observed that Indigo had not hired enough pilots in time, which directly led to flight delays and cancellations.The High Court had directed both the Central Government and Indigo Airlines to file their responses. It further asked the Centre whether it was “so helpless” that it hesitated to take action against the airline despite massive passenger inconvenience.

The bench also expressed concern over the situation that left thousands of passengers stranded at airports across the country without assistance.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar