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Supreme Court Of India

Hon'ble Judge(s): Ashok Bhushan, R. Subhash Reddy, M. R. Shah , JJJ

Constitution of India , Art.32— PIL - Refund of Airfare - Imposition of ban on operation of all domestic and international flights due to pandemic situation of COVID19 - Airline receiving payment for booking of air ticket during first lockdown period (from 25 March to 14 April 2020) and refund is sought by passenger against that booking being cancelled - Keeping in mind that passengers who, with hope of travel, have booked their tickets by spending their own money, certain directions issued by Court Civil aviation sector, which is one of important sectors, is seriously affected in view of ban imposed for operating flights.Added to same, air passenger traffic has come down heavily and which is gradually being restored. At this moment any strict enforcement action of CARs would further restrict/reduce their operations and such enforcement action may further jeopardise possibilities of generation of cash by airlines which can further adversely affect/delay refund cycle. Keeping in mind that passengers who, with hope of travel, have booked their tickets by spending their own money. For these reasons Court inclined to delve any further on any of contentions anddeem it appropriate to dispose of this batch of cases with following directions: 1. If a passenger has booked a ticket during lockdown period (from 25 March, 2020 to 24 May, 2020) for travel ....