A Father’s Plea for Justice
In a case with potential far-reaching implications for India’s aviation sector, the Supreme Court has intervened in a grieving father’s quest for justice. The apex court on Monday issued a notice to the Union Government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and Air India, demanding a response to a plea for a judicial inquiry into the death of Captain Himanil Kumar, a pilot who collapsed and died at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi International Airport last year.
The petition, filed by the pilot’s father, Ashok Kumar, goes beyond personal loss, alleging systemic failures that threaten passenger safety. His plea is anchored in a powerful statement that has now echoed in the highest court of the land: “None of the 142 crore people of India should suffer the way my son has.”
Allegations of Extreme Fatigue and Gruelling Schedules
Captain Himanil Kumar, a commander on Air India‘s A320 fleet, was reportedly undergoing training to convert to the Boeing 777 fleet. On November 16, 2023, he suffered a fatal cardiac arrest within the airport premises. His father’s petition, however, argues this was not a random tragedy, but the result of extreme fatigue and relentless stress.
The plea alleges that Captain Kumar was subjected to a punishing schedule with consecutive flights and minimal rest, in direct violation of Flight Duty Time Limitations (FDTL) norms. According to the petition, the young pilot’s final month was a gruelling ordeal that pushed him beyond human endurance. The plea contends this was not an isolated incident but a symptom of the airline’s rostering practices prioritising commercial interests over crew well-being.
Supreme Court‘s Intervention: A Matter of Public Safety
The intervention by a Supreme Court bench, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, is a significant development. By issuing a notice, the court acknowledges the gravity of the questions raised by Ashok Kumar, deeming them worthy of an explanation from the highest levels of government and the aviation industry. This action elevates the case from a personal tragedy to a matter of public interest, touching upon the safety of every air passenger in India.
Broader Implications for Indian Aviation
This case emerges at a turbulent time for Indian aviation. The DGCA recently revised its FDTL norms, a move that drew stiff opposition from pilot unions like the Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA). Pilots have argued that the new rules, instead of enhancing safety, could institutionalise fatigue by increasing flight times and reducing mandatory rest periods. Ashok Kumar’s petition serves as a crucial test case, connecting the theoretical debate over regulations to the harsh reality of a life lost.
What Happens Next?
The Centre, DGCA, and Air India are now required to present their side of the story to the Supreme Court. Their response will be closely scrutinised not only by the judges but also by thousands of pilots, cabin crew, and the millions of passengers who entrust their lives to the aviation system daily.
Ashok Kumar’s fight is a poignant reminder of the human cost behind air travel logistics. His plea transforms personal grief into a national question of accountability, asking if enough is being done to protect the people who ensure our safety in the skies.
