Delhi HC Reluctant to Initiate Contempt Proceedings Against DGCA Over FDTL Norms Exemptions
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The Delhi High Court expressed reluctance on Tuesday to initiate contempt proceedings against the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for granting exemptions to certain airlines from implementing new Flight Duty Time Limitation (FDTL) norms. A bench led by Justice Amit Sharma considered a petition by the Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP), which sought contempt proceedings against the DGCA for allegedly failing to comply with its undertakings to the court. In February, the DGCA assured the court that it would roll out the new FDTL norms in two phases, with 15 clauses set to take effect from July 1 and seven from November 1. However, FIP argued that the DGCA has been granting exemptions and relaxations to airlines, including Air India and SpiceJet, from implementing the norms scheduled for November 1. The court noted that while the DGCA's actions may be subject to challenge, they do not necessarily constitute contempt. The bench observed that the regulator's exemptions are temporary and subject to review, and that the DGCA has complied with its undertaking to implement the FDTL norms in phases. FIP's lawyer has requested time to place on record court orders that the association claims were wilfully disobeyed. The court has fixed December 15 as the next date of hearing, allowing the counsel to present the necessary documents. The case highlights the ongoing debate between airline operators and regulator over the implementation of FDTL norms.
