Supreme Court Makes Key Remarks on Airfare Hikes, Leaving Passengers Shocked!

The Supreme Court on Monday declined an urgent hearing on a petition alleging that domestic airfares had increased by nearly 700% ahead of the festive season. During the proceedings, an advocate brought the steep rise in ticket prices to the court's attention. The bench reportedly responded with the remark, “Don’t travel by air.” The petitioner argued that air travel has become an essential service and that such steep and unpredictable fare increases violate Article 14 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law.

The petition seeks a regulatory mechanism to control sudden fluctuations in airline ticket prices and ensure greater transparency in fare calculations. It also calls for the restoration of the 25 kg free checked-in baggage allowance for economy-class passengers. The plea raises concerns about the affordability of air travel and the need for clear pricing policies. However, the Supreme Court's refusal to list the matter urgently does not amount to a final ruling on the issues raised in the petition.