Wed Nov 27 11:21:41 UTC 2024: ## High Court Judges’ Flight Disrupted by Drunk Passengers, Fuels Call for Stricter Airline Rules
**NEW DELHI** – A harrowing mid-air experience involving two drunk passengers has prompted two Supreme Court justices to advocate for stricter guidelines against unruly fliers. Justices Surya Kant and KV Viswanathan, returning from a family event on a late-night flight from Coimbatore on September 15th, found themselves unexpectedly involved in an incident involving two intoxicated men.
According to sources, the judges, seated near the galley and restrooms, witnessed one passenger remain unresponsive in the lavatory for an extended period, while another vomited nearby. The crew’s attempts to gain entry to the locked lavatory were initially unsuccessful, requiring the assistance of a fellow passenger to open the door and discover the inebriated occupant. Both men were found to be intoxicated.
The incident, described as unsettling for all passengers, including the justices, occurred just days before Justice Viswanathan presided over a hearing concerning a petition seeking tougher regulations for handling unruly air passengers. The petition, filed by a woman who alleges she was urinated on during an Air India flight, ironically landed before a judge who had recently experienced the disruptive behavior of intoxicated passengers firsthand.
During the hearing, Justice Viswanathan emphasized the need for creative solutions, suggesting potential measures such as strategic seating arrangements to mitigate such occurrences. The bench, consisting of Justices BR Gavai and Viswanathan, adjourned the case for eight weeks, directing the Centre’s counsel to review and update current guidelines in line with international best practices for managing unruly fliers. The incident underscores the urgent need for airlines and aviation authorities to enhance their protocols for dealing with disruptive passengers, ensuring the safety and comfort of all travelers.
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