Supreme Court Seeks Clarity: Air India Crash Probe Under ICAO Standards, Pilot's Fate Hangs in Balance!

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Updated on 13 Nov 2025, 09:31 am

The Central government informed the Supreme Court that the investigation into the Air India Ahmedabad crash strictly follows International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) standards. Solicitor General of India Tushar Mehta emphasized that due to the presence of foreign nationals among the victims, the probe must align with internationally recognized aviation accident protocols. This submission was made in response to a plea filed by the father of deceased Captain Sumit Sabharwal, who is seeking a fair, transparent, and technically sound investigation monitored by a retired judge. The petitioner expressed concerns that the current probe by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) may not be independent and could potentially place undue blame on the pilot. Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi acknowledged the tragedy, reassuring the petitioner that "nobody in India believes it was the pilot's fault" and noted that preliminary reports did not insinuate pilot error. The court has directed the Centre and DGCA to respond to the petitioner's concerns.

**Impact** This development has a moderate impact on the Indian stock market. While direct stock price movements for airlines may not be immediate, it underscores the critical importance of transparent and robust accident investigation processes. Any future changes in regulatory oversight or procedural requirements stemming from this case could influence operational costs and compliance for Indian aviation companies. Adherence to ICAO standards is a positive indicator for global aviation best practices and investor confidence in sector governance. Impact Rating: 5/10

**Terms Explained** **International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO):** A specialized agency of the United Nations that sets international standards and recommended practices for air navigation to ensure safety and efficiency. **Statutory Framework:** A body of laws and regulations established by an authority. **Solicitor General of India (SGI):** The second-highest law officer in India, assisting the Attorney General. **Petitioner:** A person or entity who formally requests a court to take a specific legal action. **Deceased:** A person who has died. **Captain:** The pilot in command of an aircraft. **NGO (Non-Governmental Organization):** A non-profit organization operating independently of any government. **Safety Matters Foundation:** A non-governmental organization focused on improving safety standards. **Counter-affidavits:** Written statements filed in court in response to an affidavit from the opposing party. **DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation):** The regulatory body for civil aviation in India. **Pilot-in-Command:** The pilot responsible for the operation and safety of an aircraft during flight. **Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner:** A specific model of long-range, wide-body jet airliner manufactured by Boeing. **Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB):** The agency responsible for investigating aircraft accidents and incidents in India. **Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP):** An organization representing pilots in India. **Court of Inquiry:** A formal investigation into an incident or accident.