New Delhi . The Supreme Court has taken a major step in the investigation of the Air India plane crash that took place in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. The court has sought response from the Central Government and DGCA on the petition of Pushkar Raj Sabharwal, father of pilot Captain Sumit Sabharwal and Indian Pilot Federation. The petition demands an independent judicial inquiry into the accident. Air India Flight 171 crashed on 12 June 2025. In this, 270 people including pilot Captain Sumit Sabharwal were killed. The pilot’s father said that his son’s 30-year career was impeccable. Not a single accident occurred during this period. Now that the pilots are no longer alive, they cannot defend themselves. Therefore an impartial investigation is necessary. The petition states that the investigation by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) cannot be trusted. Instead, an independent panel should be formed under the leadership of a retired judge of the Supreme Court. Also, the investigation by AAIB should be stopped immediately and all the evidence should be handed over to the court monitoring committee.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, on behalf of the Central Government, said that the investigation of the accident is being conducted under the rules of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This process is completely transparent and scientific, but the petitioners say that there may be a hurry to prove the pilot’s mistake.
The pilot’s father appealed to the court to save his son’s reputation. He says that the accident could have happened due to technical fault, negligence in maintenance or other reasons, but it would be wrong to blame the pilot.
Indian Pilot Federation also supported the petition. The federation says that an impartial investigation is necessary for the safety and honor of the pilots.
The Supreme Court has asked the Center and DGCA to reply within four weeks. The next date of hearing will be decided later. This case raises big questions on aviation security and investigation process. Since the accident, family members and the pilot community are demanding justice.
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