Order surprise audits of all flights, petitioner urges Supreme Court
A petition filed in the Supreme Court on Tuesday (June 24, 2025) alleged 'systemic failures' in maintenance, functionality and passenger services on Air India flights while highlighting the tragic Ahmedabad crash.
The plea filed by advocate Ajay Bansal wanted the court to order the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to conduct surprise audits of the entire fleet of Air India and other airlines operating in India, and make public its findings, corrective measures and penalties imposed.
Mr. Bansal argued that the systemic failures of airlines directly affect the fundamental right to life of air travellers, pointing to the loss of the lives of 241 air passengers and 29 doctors when AI171 plunged into a densely populated area seconds after take-off in Ahmedabad on June 12.
The petition sought a suspension of the operation of Air India's Boeing fleet in order to hold a safety audit within two weeks.
The plea pointed to the Ahmedabad crash and reports of maintenance backlogs.
'Check all equipment'
Arraigning the Union government, Air India Limited, the DGCA and the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) as respondents, the petition pushed for the formulation of 'fresh mandatory guidelines for Air India and other airlines, prescribing stringent and periodic functional checks of all cabin equipment (seats, entertainment, climate control), engines, airframes and ancillary systems, consistent with best international standards (FAA FAR 25, EASA CS-25)'.
The petition contended that the DGCA and the BCAS had failed to strictly enforce the Aircraft Act, 1934, Aircraft Rules, 1937, as well as the relevant civil aviation requirements or take any 'concrete action', despite adverse reports on airlines.
'Issue directions to respondents for stringent security and scientific checks of all planes operating in India and immediate grounding of Air India and other aircraft found not fully functional or lacking prescribed facilities for international passenger service until all defects are rectified and airworthiness recertified,' Mr. Bansal sought.
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