Airfare pricing rules finalised, to be published in two weeks: Centre to SC

The Centre told the Supreme Court on Friday (October 16) that rules to regulate airfares had been finalised and received administrative approval.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said that the rules would be published within two weeks, with the government directed to place them before the court by November 16, reported Live Law.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath, R Mahadevan and Aparesh Singh was hearing a public interest litigation filed by S. Laxminarayanan over arbitrary and excessive fares charged by private airlines. The court took note of the Centre's submission and scheduled the next hearing for November 16.

Plea flags steep fares during festivals

The petition raises concerns over steep ticket price increases, particularly during festivals and periods of high demand.

Senior Advocate Ravindra Srivastava questioned the delay in framing the rules, pointing out that similar problems had surfaced ahead of Diwali this year.

Also Read: SC orders airfare rationalisation, asks Centre to 'give relief to people'

The Centre had submitted a draft of the proposed rules to the court in a sealed cover on August 17. After examining it, the court returned the draft to the government, which sought three weeks to finalise the provisions.

Rules to cover surge pricing, baggage charges

The rules are expected to address surge pricing, airfare calculation and excess baggage charges. The petition also questions the use of algorithm-based dynamic pricing, under which ticket prices can rise sharply at short notice.

Also Read: SC pulls up Centre over delay in filing airfare regulation affidavit

Another issue raised in the plea is the reduction in complimentary check-in baggage allowance from 25 kg to 15 kg. The petitioner has asked for regulatory intervention to ensure transparent fares and protect passengers from excessive charges.

SC to review final provisions on November 16

The Supreme Court had earlier agreed to intervene after expressing concern over sharp airfare increases during festivals and periods of heavy demand, including the Maha Kumbh.

The final rules are expected to address the concerns raised in the petition. The Centre will have to place the published provisions before the bench at the next hearing on November 16.