Centre fast-tracks aviation rules amid Supreme Court scrutiny over passenger rights

The Centre has told the Supreme Court it has accelerated the process of framing rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, with the final version expected within three weeks. The assurance came during a hearing centred on passenger rights, airfare regulation and the need for stronger oversight of India's civil aviation sector.

A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta reviewed draft rules submitted by the government in a sealed cover and directed authorities to expedite the process.

The development comes amid an ongoing legal challenge seeking greater transparency in airline pricing, stronger passenger safeguards and the creation of an independent regulatory framework for the sector.

Court seeks quicker implementation of aviation reforms

Appearing for the Centre, Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik informed the court that the government had fast-tracked the drafting process and was in the final stages of discussions.

According to submissions made before the bench, the rules under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, are intended to support the modernisation of India's aviation sector.

The court urged the government to move quickly, with the bench stating that the rules should be published within seven days and observing that airlines failing to comply with regulations should face strict consequences.

After reviewing the draft framework, the bench noted that while a mechanism had been proposed, questions remained regarding the regulatory structure envisaged under the new rules.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 7.

Petition raises concerns over fares and consumer protection

The case stems from a petition filed by social activist S Laxminarayanan, who has sought a robust and independent regulator to ensure transparency and passenger protection across the civil aviation ecosystem.

The petition calls for regulatory guidelines to address what it describes as unpredictable fluctuations in airfares and ancillary charges imposed by private airlines.

During the hearing, senior advocate Ravindra Srivastava, appearing for the petitioner, told the court that until the new rules come into force, existing regulations continue to govern the sector.

He also questioned the effectiveness of the current framework and highlighted concerns over rising ticket prices.

Among the key issues raised in the petition are:

• Absence of a mechanism to review or cap airfares and ancillary charges
• Lack of transparency in dynamic pricing models
• Reduction in free check-in baggage allowances by airlines
• Limited passenger grievance redressal mechanisms
• Concerns over fare spikes during festivals, emergencies and weather-related disruptions

The petition contends that the current regulatory environment allows airlines to impose hidden charges and pricing practices that adversely affect consumers.

Long-running legal scrutiny of airline pricing

The Supreme Court has repeatedly examined concerns around airfare volatility and passenger rights during earlier hearings.

In January, the apex court indicated it would intervene in cases involving unpredictable airfare fluctuations and highlighted steep fare increases during peak travel periods.

During proceedings in May, the court observed that airfares should be rationalised and asked the Centre to provide relief measures for passengers.

At the time, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the bench that the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, had come into effect in January 2025 and that corresponding rules were under preparation.

In July, the court directed the government to place the draft rules before it, irrespective of whether they had been presented before Parliament.

Focus on accountability and regulatory oversight

The petition also challenges several airline practices, including the reduction of free check-in baggage allowances for economy-class passengers from 25 kilograms to 15 kilograms.

According to the petitioner, such measures effectively convert services previously included in ticket prices into additional revenue streams.

The plea further alleges that the absence of oversight on fare algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity and ancillary charges has created gaps in consumer protection.

The court's observations suggest a broader examination of whether existing aviation regulations provide sufficient accountability and transparency in a rapidly expanding aviation market.

What comes next

The Centre's commitment to finalise the rules within three weeks places the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam implementation process on an accelerated timeline. The upcoming hearing in September is expected to provide greater clarity on the regulatory architecture, passenger protection mechanisms and oversight provisions proposed under the new framework.

For airlines, regulators and travellers alike, the outcome could shape how pricing transparency, service standards and consumer rights are governed in India's aviation sector in the years ahead.