India, May 15 -- The Supreme Court of India, on Friday, May 15, urged the Union Government to rationalise airline fares for domestic and international travel. A bench comprising Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta highlighted the differences in fares on identical routes on the same day, questioning why one carrier charges Rs.8000 while another demands Rs.18,000 for an economy seat.

Petitioner's Demand for Justified Airfare

The bench has acted upon a plea by Social Activist S Laxminarayanan, who has asked for the formation of an effective and independent regulator that will ensure transparency of airfare and manage the unpredictable spike in airfares from time to time, while also managing the welfare of the passengers.

The pet...