New Delhi, Sept 22: The Supreme Court on Monday issued notices to the Centre and relevant aviation authorities, responding to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that calls for an independent, fair, and time-bound investigation into the tragic Air India Flight AI171 crash on June 12.
The PIL challenges the preliminary findings released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on July 12, alleging violations of the Aircraft (Investigation of Accidents and Incidents) Rules, 2017.
The petitioner contends that the AAIB failed to disclose critical factual data collected during the early stages of the probe, undermining transparency and accountability.
A bench of the apex court termed the release of selective information “unfortunate” and signalled its intent to examine the matter in detail.
The crash, involving a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner en route from Ahmedabad to London Gatwick, claimed 260 lives—including passengers, crew, and civilians on the ground—with only one survivor.
Legal experts suggest the case could set a precedent for aviation disaster investigations in India, reinforcing the need for full disclosure and independent oversight.
The Supreme Court is expected to hear the matter in the coming weeks.
