Representative image. | Photo credit: ANI
The Supreme Court on Monday (Jan 19, 2026) said the unpredictable fluctuation in ticket prices was “exploitative” and termed the excessive increase in ticket prices during festivals and peak travel times.
A bench of Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) petition seeking binding regulatory guidelines to curb irregular fares and ancillary charges levied by private airlines.
Hinting that the court will intervene, Justice Mehta pointed to the steep rise in fares during religious gatherings and festivals. “We will definitely take action. Just look at the exploitation of passengers during Kumbh and other festivals. Look at the fares from Delhi to Prayagraj and Jodhpur – they are three times the normal fare,” he told Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik, appearing for the Centre.
Earlier, on November 17 last year, the Bench had sought responses from the Union government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA) on a plea by social activist S. Laxminarayanan. The petition seeks to establish a strong and independent regulatory mechanism that would ensure transparency in ticket prices and strengthen passenger protection in the civil aviation industry.
On Monday (January 19, 2026), Additional Solicitor General Anil Kaushik sought more time to file a reply on behalf of the Centre. The court granted the request and referred the case for further hearing on February 23.
On a lighter note, Justice Mehta also told Advocate General Tushar Mehta, who was present in the courtroom, that while fares to Ahmedabad seemed stable, fares to destinations like Jodhpur had shot up. “Mr. Mehta is somehow making sure that air fares are not so high for Ahmedabad,” he noted.
The petition states that opaque airline practices such as sudden escalation of fares, curtailment of flight services, inadequate grievance redressal mechanisms and algorithm-driven pricing violate citizens’ fundamental rights to equality, freedom of movement and a dignified life.
“In a constitutional republic governed by the rule of law, the state cannot remain a silent spectator to this ongoing violation of rights. The state’s inaction in regulating tariff algorithms, cancellation policies, service continuity and complaint mechanisms constitutes a violation of its constitutional duty and requires urgent judicial intervention,” the lawsuit states.
The plea also pointed out that there is currently no regulatory body with the power to review or limit fares or ancillary fees, allowing airlines to take advantage of consumers through hidden fees and unpredictable pricing. She said such practices disproportionately affect economically weaker passengers, who are often forced to buy tickets during peak price increases, while wealthier travelers can plan and book in advance.
The court was further informed that such continued inaction by the state in regulating tariff algorithms, cancellation fees, service continuity and grievance redressal mechanisms constitutes a breach of constitutional duty and requires urgent judicial intervention. The plea further stated that the right to dignity includes access to essential services, including emergency transport, on fair and non-exploitative terms.
“Arbitrary fare hikes during emergencies deny this right to vulnerable citizens, especially when they are forced to choose air travel out of necessity rather than luxury,” the plea added.
Published – 19 Jan 2026 22:19 IST
