The Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) responded to experiences of a November 26 incident onboard an Air India flight from New York to New Delhi the place a man allegedly urinated on a septuagenarian feminine passenger.

In a press release, MoCA highlighted how for fact-finding the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) had sought the small print of the incident from Air India. From the reply, the MoCA concluded that ‘provisions associated to the dealing with of an unruly passenger on-board haven’t been complied with’. 

“The conduct of the concerned airline appears to be unprofessional and has led to a systemic failure. Prima facie it lacks appreciation of regulatory obligations as described in applicable Aircraft Rules 1937, Civil Aviation Requirements on ‘Handling of Unruly Passengers’, Cabin Safety Circular, Air India Operations Manual, Air India Safety and Emergency Procedure Manual, and Air India Quick Reference Handbook and is devoid of empathy,” the assertion learn. 

DGCA points show-cause discover

The assertion additionally talked about DGCA issuing a showcause discover to the Accountable Manager of M/s Air India, the Director of in-flight Services of M/s Air India, all of the pilots and cabin crew members of that flight as to why enforcement motion shouldn’t be taken in opposition to them for dereliction of their regulatory obligations.

“However, to meet the ends of justice, they have been given two weeks time to submit their reply to DGCA and based on that further action will be taken,” the assertion learn. 

Republic confronts Air India Legal General Manager

Pertinently, Republic earlier within the day confronted AN Kulkarni, General Manager (Legal), Air India. On being requested why motion was taken after a delay of two months, Kulkarni refused to reply, directing all inquiries to the Corporate Communications Team of the airline. 

Kulkarni, on behalf of Air India, had filed a criticism in opposition to the flyer with the police, on the idea of which an FIR was registered underneath Sections 354 ( Assault or felony power to a lady with intent to outrage her modesty), 509 (phrase, gesture or act meant to insult the modesty of a lady) and 510 (Misconduct in public by a drunken particular person) of the Indian Penal Code.