New Delhi [India], June 24 : In the aftermath of the tragic Air India AI171 crash in Ahmedabad that claimed 241 lives, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court of India demanding the immediate suspension of all Air India Boeing flights pending a comprehensive safety audit.
The PIL, filed by Advocate Ajay Bansal, cites grave violations of passenger safety norms and raises concerns over systemic operational and maintenance lapses in Air India’s fleet, particularly its Boeing aircraft.
Petitioner Cites Right to Life Under Article 21
The plea contends that the Right to Life under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution encompasses the right to safe air travel. The crash, the petitioner argues, represents a gross infringement of this right due to apparent maintenance and operational failures that could have been prevented through rigorous checks.
“Passenger safety is not a privilege—it is a constitutional mandate,” the plea asserts.
Alleged Violations of Aircraft Act and DGCA Guidelines
The PIL points to non-compliance with key provisions under the Aircraft Act, 1934 and Aircraft Rules, 1937, especially Rules 30 and 134, which require periodic airworthiness and safety inspections. The petitioner accuses Air India of failing these obligations, calling for immediate accountability.
The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) have also been criticized for failing to enforce safety protocols, including oversight of malfunctioning systems—such as reportedly defective air conditioning units—prior to take-off.
Crash Killed 241, Sparked National Mourning
On June 12, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed into a hostel complex in Ahmedabad, killing 241 of the 242 passengers. The victims included many aspiring medical students, leaving entire communities in grief. It remains one of the deadliest aviation disasters in Indian history.
PIL Demands and Relief Sought
The petition seeks urgent interim relief, including:
- Immediate grounding of all Air India Boeing aircraft until re-certification
- Time-bound safety and operational audits for all airlines in India
- Unannounced inspections with public disclosure of findings
- Strict implementation of international aviation safety norms, including the Montreal Convention, 1999
The plea also draws parallels to the landmark MC Mehta v. Union of India (1987) case, where the Supreme Court issued precedent-setting safety guidelines in the transportation sector.
What’s Next?
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming weeks. If the plea is admitted, it could lead to the temporary suspension of Boeing operations in India and heightened scrutiny of air safety enforcement mechanisms.