Supreme Court Calls for Fair Probe into Air India Flight AI171 Disaster

In a significant development, the Supreme Court of India has expressed serious reservations about the preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) regarding the devastating Air India flight AI171 crash on June 12. This tragic incident resulted in the loss of 260 lives, including 19 individuals on the ground.

The apex court’s criticism stems from a petition filed by the Safety Matters Foundation, which highlighted glaring concerns about conflicts of interest within the ongoing investigation. The foundation has urgently called for the complete release of flight data, emphasizing that a truly transparent and unbiased probe cannot proceed without full access to all relevant information.

Addressing these critical issues, the Supreme Court has taken decisive action by issuing notices to both the Union Government and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This move underscores the court’s commitment to ensuring accountability and fairness, not just in this particular case, but also in upholding the integrity of aviation safety investigations across the nation. The directive aims to pave the way for a comprehensive inquiry that addresses all discrepancies and provides clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crash, ensuring justice for the victims and their families.

Edit: Madhumitha R
Voiceover: Bhagavathi Sampath