Delhi HC Grills Centre on Rs 40,000 Airfares, IndiGo Crisis & Pilot Duty Rules

• Delhi HC questioned Centre over soaring airfares (up to Rs 40,000) during the IndiGo crisis and the government's handling.
• The court criticized delayed implementation of pilot duty-hour guidelines, contributing to IndiGo's rostering collapse and flight cancellations.
• A PIL sought support and refunds for passengers affected by hundreds of IndiGo flight cancellations.
• The HC questioned why other airlines also significantly increased fares during the disruption.
• The Centre informed the court of a statutory mechanism, a show-cause notice to IndiGo, and a one-time exemption granted to IndiGo until Feb 2026.

Why It Matters: This highlights judicial concern over consumer exploitation and regulatory failures in aviation.