The court, however, emphasized that “several factors determine airfare” and warned that forcing airlines to lower prices could lead them to stop operating the service entirely.
New Delhi: Today, 6th March, The Supreme Court of India has refused to interfere in a petition challenging the high airfare for Hajj pilgrims flying from Kozhikode airport.
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The court stated that deciding airfare is a “policy matter” and any intervention could “cause more harm than good.” However, the court directed the Central Government to upload a detailed explanation on its website regarding the increased airfare for flights from Kozhikode.
A Supreme Court bench consisting of Justices Surya Kant and NK Singh heard the plea, which raised concerns over Hajj pilgrims from Kozhikode being charged nearly Rs 40,000 more than those traveling from Kochi and Kannur airports.
Senior advocate Arunabh Chowdhury, along with advocates Harris Beeran and Azhar Aziz, represented the petitioners and argued that economically weaker Muslims should be given the chance to fulfill their religious duty at a fair price.
The court, however, emphasized that “several factors determine airfare” and warned that forcing airlines to lower prices could lead them to stop operating the service entirely.
“If the court directed a reduction in fare, there was a possibility that airlines might stop operating the service altogether, which would cause more harm than good.”
While declining to interfere in airfare regulation, the court maintained that passengers must know why the fares are higher.
“Passengers have the right to know the reason behind the higher fare.”
The court directed Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, who represented the Central Government, to ensure that the Ministry explains the reason for the increased airfare on its official website.
“Therefore, it instructed Additional Solicitor General KM Nataraj, appearing for the Central Government, to ensure that the reason for the higher airfare is explained on the Ministry’s website.”
The decision means that while the Supreme Court will not interfere in airfare policies, Hajj pilgrims will at least receive transparency regarding the pricing structure. This comes as a relief to many travelers who were seeking clarity over the substantial price difference.
The government is now expected to publish an official explanation, which could shed light on whether operational costs, route restrictions, or airline policies contribute to the higher fares from Kozhikode.
Case Title: ABDUSSALAM AND ORS. Versus THE HAJJ COMMITTEE OF INDIA AND ORS| W.P.(C) No. 190/2025
