Overview

• Bombay High Court criticized the lack of timely wheelchair access at Mumbai's international airport, calling it a matter of human dignity.
• The court directed the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and airlines to ensure proactive measures and implement the highest international accessibility standards.
• Judges rejected the DGCA's justification of wheelchair shortages due to overbooking, emphasizing the need for sensitivity and preventive protocols.
• The bench proposed imposing substantial penalties on airlines failing to meet accessibility norms and suggested forming an expert committee to review and improve services.
• Further hearings are scheduled to assess compliance and review recommendations from the proposed expert panel.