Keralites Working In Gulf Countries Unable To Visit Family Due To Exorbitant Flight Prices: High Court Urges State Govt To Take Up Issue With Centre

Justice Devan Ramachandran stated that the State Government was impleaded suo moto by the Court so as to help the people. It directed thus:

“The learned Government pleader submits that he has not received any instructions from the 5^th respondent, State of Kerala. I must remind the said respondent that they were impleaded suo moto by this Court and invited into the lis because I was under the impression that they will be able to inform the other respondents of the predicament of Keralites, particularly Malayalees on account of the alleged high prices of air tickets. Obviously, this Court expects the Government of Kerala to act without delay.”

The Court passed the above order while considering a plea moved by the Managing Director of Safari Group Of Companies challenging the exorbitant airfares to Gulf Countries.

The Court noted that people are unable to travel as the ticket prices have skyrocketed. It noted that people who are working in the Gulf countries support our economy and because of the exorbitant ticket prices, they are unable to meet their families in Kerala. The Court further noted market dynamics alone should not be the determining factor for fixing the air prices because then the prices can get exorbitantly high.

The Court stated that the State Government can have some rules to help the people working in Gulf countries who want to travel at least once a year to meet their loved ones. The Court urged that the State Government has to come forward to help its citizens and decide what has to be done. The Court enquired whether the State Government has taken up the issue with the Government of India and remarked orally that, ‘sometimes diplomacy also works’.

The matter has been posted after ten days for receiving instructions from the Government of Kerala.

The petitioner is represented by Advocates P.E.Sajal and Ajas K.S.

Case number: WPC 33488/2023

Case title: Zainul Abideen V Union of India