Supreme Court Demands Enhanced Guidelines for Handling Intoxicated Passengers in Air India Urination Case
Supreme Court Hearing on Air India Urination Case
The Supreme Court held a hearing regarding the Air India urination incident. The court asked the Union about methods to check intoxicated passengers on flights. It also directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) to review suggestions for better guidelines on passenger misconduct.
Hema Rajaraman, a 73-year-old victim, filed the plea. She wants the DGCA and airlines to establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for handling unruly passengers. Rajaraman’s lawyer stated that during the incident, she was not offered an alternate seat, despite vacant seats in business class. Furthermore, she was pressured by the crew to settle the matter with the aggressor.
The DGCA responded, claiming existing guidelines address such issues, but Rajaraman’s lawyer suggested improvements based on foreign practices.
Aishwarya Bhati, the Additional Solicitor General, discussed penalties imposed on Air India, including a Rs.30 lakh fine and a pilot’s license suspension. She acknowledged the DGCA’s guidelines but indicated a willingness to consider Rajaraman’s suggestions for modifications.
Justice Viswanathan shared his own experience with intoxicated passengers and remarked on the challenges faced by crews in managing such situations. He noted, “How do you check passengers who get intoxicated?”
Justice Gavai reminded everyone that the incident occurred on an international flight. The Additional Solicitor General stated that existing guidelines need to be evaluated for their effectiveness and applicability.
Rajaraman’s lawyer emphasized the need for crew training and guidelines to protect vulnerable passengers, especially senior citizens. She called for protocols to ensure passenger safety within confined aircraft spaces.
The Supreme Court stated that the matter is not adversarial. It asked the DGCA to consider the petitioner’s suggestions thoughtfully.
Case Title: Hema Rajaraman vs. Union of India & Ors.
Writ Petition No.: 509/2023