HC issues notice to IA on air hostess issue

The Delhi High Court issues notice to the public carrier on a petition challenging a single bench order which had upheld the government policy to ground overweight air hostesses.

The Delhi High Court on Friday issued notice to public carrier Indian Airlines on a petition challenging a single bench order which had upheld the government policy to ground overweight air hostesses.

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A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice MK Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Khanna directed the air carrier to file its reply by September 6.

Arvind Sharma, appearing for the petitioners, contended that the air hostesses have been grounded for being over weight only by a few hundred grams, which was illegal and arbitrary.

The airline's counsel, however, rejected the claim of the petitioner, saying that there was a clear cut provision in their appointment letters which required them to maintain certain physical standards, failing which they could be grounded.

The counsel sought dismissal of the petition on this ground.

However, not impressed by the Airline's argument, the Bench said "The matter needs some consideration and we are issuing notice to the Indian Airlines".

The court also directed that the salary paid to the grounded air hostesses will not be recovered till the matter is disposed of. The next hearing is on September 6.

Justice Rekha Sharma had earlier dismissed a bunch of petitions filed by air hostesses challenging their grounding due to being over weight.