The Chief Justice of India on Monday (December 8) refused to urgently hear a plea related to the large number of IndiGo flight cancellations and delays happening across the country. The plea was mentioned before the Supreme Court by an advocate, who said that in the last few days, nearly 2,500 flights had been delayed across 95 airports. Because of this, thousands of passengers have been left waiting at airports for long hours.

However, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said that while the issue is serious, the government is already handling the matter. According to a report by ANI, the CJI told the petitioner that the court understands that “lakhs of people are stranded” and many may have important work but are unable to travel due to the disruptions.

Still, he said the Union government has already taken note of the crisis and has started taking necessary steps. “We don’t see any urgency right now,” the CJI added, indicating that the matter did not need an immediate Supreme Court intervention.

PIL filed in Delhi High Court

Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Delhi High Court. The petitioner has described the situation as a “full-blown crisis” and is seeking quick action from both the Centre and IndiGo. The PIL asks the authorities to ensure that all stranded passengers receive timely assistance, refunds, and proper support at airports.

The Chief Justice’s Bench has acknowledged that the government and aviation authorities are already looking into the issue. Even so, the Supreme Court has agreed to take up the matter for a detailed hearing on Wednesday, December 10. The court said it would examine the larger concerns raised in the plea.

The petitioner argued that the condition at many airports has become “inhumane.” He said passengers are stuck without clear information, proper support, or access to refunds. “Several people are stuck. The ground situation at airports is inhumane,” the advocate said, adding that the court should direct IndiGo to provide immediate ground assistance to affected passengers.

The government has already issued directions to airlines, but passengers continue to face long delays and confusion. The upcoming hearing is expected to look deeper into the causes of the disruptions and what steps need to be taken to prevent such situations in the future.