Following the tragic crash of an Air India Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025—which claimed 270 lives—a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court demanding the immediate grounding of the airline’s Boeing fleet until a thorough safety audit is conducted.
Petitioner Demands Safety Overhaul
The PIL, filed by advocate Ajay Bansal, accuses Air India and other commercial carriers of violating safety norms under the Aircraft Act, 1934, and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR). The petition points to what it calls “chronic neglect and regulatory laxity” as the root cause of the crash, demanding urgent reforms in India’s aviation oversight.
The plea calls for,
Surprise safety audits of all aircraft operated by Air India and other commercial airlines.
Public disclosure of all audit findings to ensure transparency.
Strict penalties against airlines found violating safety norms.
Updated safety protocols, including detailed procedures for engine checks, airframe maintenance, and cabin system inspections.
DGCA Findings & Passenger Complaints Cited
The petitioner has relied on an inspection report by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which allegedly reveals that Air India falsified records during its internal safety audits. The report raises serious questions about the airline’s compliance culture and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight.
In addition, the petition highlights:
Deplorable in-flight conditions, such as malfunctioning seats, broken entertainment systems, and poor air circulation.
A May 20 incident, where a business class passenger was given only ₹10,000 in compensation after facing substandard conditions on a Delhi-Chicago flight.
Frequent social media complaints pointing to recurring technical failures on Air India flights, especially those involving Boeing aircraft.
According to the PIL, the June 12 crash is not an isolated tragedy but the culmination of systemic safety failures. “This crash represents the dangerous consequences of placing profits above passenger safety,” the petition argues.
Doctors Urge CJI For Suo Motu Action
In a separate but related appeal, two doctors have written to Chief Justice of India (CJI), requesting the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the crash. They are demanding:
Immediate and adequate compensation for the victims’ families.
A high-level probe into the cause of the crash and the role of regulatory agencies.
Their letter emphasizes the urgency of judicial intervention, warning that without accountability and swift reforms, passenger safety will remain at risk.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the PIL shortly. If admitted, it could lead to:
A directive to DGCA and Air India to conduct urgent and transparent safety checks.
Temporary grounding of Boeing aircraft in Air India’s fleet until safety is ensured.
Court-mandated reforms for stricter compliance with aviation safety norms across all carriers.
The PIL could mark a turning point in India’s civil aviation sector, pushing regulators and airlines alike to prioritize safety standards and passenger welfare over commercial interests.
Read More: Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, States High Court, International
