IndiGo crisis reaches SC; CJI refuses urgent hearing, says govt has taken cognisance

As hundreds of IndiGo flights continue to get cancelled, a petition was moved in the Supreme Court on Monday seeking judicial intervention to deal with the crisis.

On behalf of the petitioner, ‘IndiGo All Passenger and Another’, an advocate mentioned the matter before a Bench led by the Chief Justice of India (CJI) and sought urgent listing of the petition on the ground that more than 2,500 flights have been cancelled and a large number of passengers were facing problems.

However, a Bench led by CJI Surya Kant refused to list the petition for urgent hearing, saying the Government had already taken cognisance of the issue.

“It is a serious matter. Lakhs of people are stranded at airports. We know the Government of India has taken timely action and cognizance of the issue. Let them handle it…We know people may have health issues etc.,” the CJI told the petitioner’s counsel.

Over 250 IndiGo flights from the Delhi and Bengaluru airports were reportedly cancelled on Monday as disruptions in the airline’s operations entered the seventh day.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court agreed to list for hearing on December 10 a petition seeking directions to the Centre to provide support and refunds to passengers affected by the cancellation of hundreds of flights by IndiGo.

The PIL was mentioned for urgent hearing before a Bench of Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela.