New Delhi: India’s Supreme Court on Monday agreed to hear a petition calling for an independent investigation into the Air India crash that claimed the lives of 260 passengers and crew in June. The apex court has directed the government to respond to the plea, highlighting growing public concern over the transparency and thoroughness of the ongoing inquiry.
The tragedy occurred shortly after the aircraft took off from Ahmedabad, sparking nationwide grief and raising questions about aviation safety protocols. While the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) is leading the official probe, critics have questioned whether the investigation is sufficiently comprehensive and whether it involves the necessary international expertise to assess complex technical factors.
Offers of assistance from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) were reportedly declined by the Indian government, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from safety analysts and aviation experts. Many observers argue that independent scrutiny is essential to restore public confidence and ensure lessons are learned to prevent future accidents.
The Supreme Court’s decision to hear the petition signals the judiciary’s willingness to step in to guarantee accountability in the investigation. Legal experts note that the Court’s intervention could compel a more transparent and impartial process, addressing concerns raised by the victims’ families and the public. Advocates for the independent probe emphasize that the families of those lost in the tragedy deserve clarity on the circumstances leading to the crash.
As proceedings unfold, the focus will remain on identifying the causes of the crash and implementing measures to strengthen aviation safety in India. The Supreme Court’s involvement could pave the way for reforms in investigative protocols and enhance collaboration with international aviation authorities, potentially setting a precedent for handling high-profile aviation incidents in the future.
The hearing is expected to attract significant attention, with aviation experts, legal analysts, and the public closely monitoring developments in the coming weeks.