HC tells AI to keep middle seat vacant, then modifies its order

Swati.Deshpande@timesgroup.com

Mumbai  23.05.2020

: In a day of drama in a virtual proceeding, Bombay high court first directed Air India to keep middle seats vacant as the director general of civil aviation (DGCA) had instructed in its March 23 “social distancing” circular, and later in the evening, the airline informed HC that the ministry has withdrawn that requirement through a fresh circular issued on Friday.

On May 22, DGCA announced recommencement of domestic operations from May 25 with fresh comprehensive guidelines to be complied by all stakeholders, including passengers. DGCA said its earlier March 23 social distancing guidelines “stand superseded with immediate effect”.

On May 25, when domestic flights will restart, middle seats will not be left vacant.

An HC bench of Justices R D Dhanuka and Abhay Ahuja consequently modified its order by removing its interim direction to keep middle seats vacant but granted liberty to the petitioner, an Air India pilot, to amend his petition and challenge the new circular. The petition by Air India pilot Deven Kanani, 51, had sought enforcement of the March 23 circular since he said the airline was not complying with it.

Full report on www.toi.in