The Supreme Court on Monday asked the Centre and key aviation regulators to respond to a petition alleging unchecked and “exploitative” pricing practices by private airlines, including steep fare fluctuations and reduced baggage allowances for economy-class passengers.

A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta issued notices to the Union government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India (AERA). The matter will be taken up after four weeks.

The petition, filed by social activist S. Laxminarayanan, calls for binding regulatory guidelines to curb what it describes as “unpredictable fluctuations” in airfares and ancillary fees. The petitioner has also sought an independent aviation tariff and consumer protection commi

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