Archive · 29 Jan 2026
SC to hear Air India crash probe plea
The Supreme Court of India has agreed to hear a case brought by an organization called Safety Matters Foundation.
They are questioning the official investigation into a plane crash that happened on June 12.
The crash involved an Air India plane, a Boeing 787-8, which was flying from Ahmedabad to London.
Sadly, 260 people died, and only one person survived.
The organization wants a more thorough investigation, saying the current one isn't good enough.
They believe the crash was very serious and needs a special kind of inquiry.
The Supreme Court will decide when to hear the case after finishing some other important matters.
Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court is also looking into concerns about pilot fatigue rules.
They said these rules are important for safety and should not be ignored.
The court will hear more about this on Thursday.
The Supreme Court agreed to hear a PIL by NGO 'Safety Matters Foundation' challenging the official probe into the June 12 Air India crash.
The crash of Air India's Boeing 787-8 flight AI171 from Ahmedabad to London's Gatwick airport killed 260 people, including 241 passengers and crew.
The NGO argues that the official probe violates fundamental rights to life, equality, and access to truthful information.
The Supreme Court noted that the pilots' association has raised concerns about issues with the Boeing 787 aircraft.
The Delhi High Court emphasized that concerns over the non-implementation of DGCA regulations to prevent pilot fatigue cannot be brushed aside.
- Who
- Supreme Court of India, NGO 'Safety Matters Foundation', Air India, Boeing 787-8 pilots and crew, victims' families, Delhi High Court, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), IndiGo
- What
- Supreme Court agrees to hear a PIL challenging the official probe into the Air India plane crash and Delhi High Court addresses concerns over pilot fatigue regulations.
- When
- The crash occurred on June 12; Supreme Court hearing to be scheduled after ongoing cases; Delhi High Court listed the matter for hearing on Thursday.
- Where
- The crash happened near Ahmedabad; Supreme Court in New Delhi; Delhi High Court in New Delhi
- Why
- NGO alleges violation of fundamental rights and demands an independent, court-monitored investigation; Delhi High Court emphasizes public safety concerns over non-implementation of pilot fatigue norms.
NGO and Victims' Families
Government and Aviation Authorities
Investigation Independence
NGO and Victims' Families
Demand an independent, court-monitored investigation into the crash.
Government and Aviation Authorities
Maintain that the official probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Board (AAIB) is sufficient.
Pilot Fatigue Regulations
NGO and Victims' Families
Argue that the relaxation of fatigue-management regulations poses serious public safety concerns.
Government and Aviation Authorities
Defend the relaxation as necessary to normalize operations and ensure adequate pilot staffing.
- Date of Crash
- June 12
- Aircraft Model
- Boeing 787-8
- Flight Number
- AI171
- Destination
- London’s Gatwick Airport
- Departure Location
- Ahmedabad
- Total Fatalities
- 260 (241 passengers and crew, 19 others)
- Nationalities of Victims
- 169 Indians, 52 Britons, 7 Portuguese, 1 Canadian, 12 crew members
- Lone Survivor
- Vishwashkumar Ramesh (British national)
- Pilots
- Captain Sumeet Sabharwal (pilot-in-command), Captain Clive Kunder (co-pilot)
- NGO Involved
- Safety Matters Foundation
- DGCA Decision
- Relaxed Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) on December 5, 2025
- Airlines Affected
- IndiGo
Sources
SC agrees to hear NGO’s plea against 12 June Air India crash probe
Public-safety concerns on non-implementation of pilot fatigue norms can't be brushed aside: Delhi HC
Public-safety concerns on non-implementation of pilot fatigue norms can’t be brushed aside: Delhi HC
SC Agrees To Hear Pleas Related To June 12 Air India Plane Crash
‘Direct link to passenger safety’: Delhi High Court asks for DGCA’s response on revised norms for pilot rest
