The Delhi High Court has taken a strict stand in the matter of huge chaos created by the recent cancellation of a large number of flights by Indigo Airlines. The court has clearly said that it is necessary to give compensation to the passengers whose flights were canceled and who were stranded at the airport for hours. The bench of Delhi High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia directed Indigo Airlines to file an affidavit within two weeks explaining how and how much compensation will be given to the stranded passengers.
Ticket money refunded, compensation process ongoing
Delhi High Court was told by Indigo that all the tickets of the canceled flights have been refunded. However, the process of giving compensation is still being decided and will be implemented soon. On this, the court said in clear words that the rules for giving compensation to passengers should be strictly followed and this is the responsibility not only of IndiGo, but also of the Civil Aviation Ministry and DGCA.
Lakhs of passengers stranded, impact on country’s economy
Delhi High Court had said in an earlier hearing that it appreciates the steps taken by the Central Government, but the stranding of lakhs of passengers at the airport is very worrying. This not only troubled the general public but also had a negative impact on the country’s economy. The case is being heard under a PIL, which demands an independent judicial inquiry into the IndiGo crisis and an investigation into the reasons for the massive flight cancellations.
Central government’s action in Indigo case, leave of senior officer, fine of Rs 22 crore
During the hearing in Delhi High Court, Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma appeared in the court on behalf of the Central Government. He told that instructions have been given to remove the Senior Vice President of Indigo from service. Apart from this, a fine of about Rs 22 crore has been imposed on the airlines and some senior officials have also been given strict warnings.
Separate website launched for compensation – Indigo
Indigo’s counsel told the court that a dedicated website has been launched for passenger complaints and compensation claims, where affected passengers can apply. However, the petitioner’s lawyer told the court that Indigo has given travel vouchers of Rs 10,000 to many passengers instead of cash compensation, for which a time limit has been fixed. When asked by the court on this, Indigo said that this voucher will have to be used within 12 months.
Chief Justice of Delhi High Court made important comments in the matter
Chief Justice of Delhi High Court, DK Upadhyay, while commenting, said that the period of 12 months is fine but if a passenger is not able to use the voucher within that time, then please reply with instructions on what will happen. Delhi High Court has asked Indigo to file a clear reply on this issue.
Central government filed the report in a sealed envelope in Delhi High Court.
In this case, the court has taken on record the report of the inquiry committee, which was filed in a sealed cover, and the action taken report presented by the DGCA. The court has fixed the next hearing of the case for February 25. In another development related to the same case, the Delhi High Court has rejected the PIL which demanded four times compensation for the canceled flights by IndiGo and a judicial inquiry against the DGCA.
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