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

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

On behalf of petitioner ‘IndiGo All Passenger and Another’, an advocate mentioned the matter before the CJI-les Bench 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 has already taken cognisance of the issue.

“It is a serious matter. Lakhs of people are stranded at airports. We know that..govt 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 Delhi and Bengaluru airports were reportedly cancelled on Monday as the disruptions of the airline’s flight 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.