Centre to reply on PIL for ban of airlines not accepting Indian currency

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court today sought a response from government on a plea for ban on those air carriers based here which do not accept Indian currency for sale of duty-free products and services on their inbound and outbound flights.

A bench of Chief Justice G Rohini and Rajiv Sahai Endlaw also issued notices to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Ministry of Finance seeking their responses before May 20.

"We issue notice. You file your counter," the judge said, adding that also examine the facts on what basis the airlines are not accepting Indian Rupee.

Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain, appearing for the ministry, however, informed the court that the issue of non-acceptance of Indian rupee by airlines (domestic carriers) for the sale of onboard duty-free product/services is being examined by the ministry.

Referring to the communication received from the Under Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, the ASG said that they need two months time to "comment on the matter".

The court's direction came on a PIL filed by Manjit Singh seeking a direction to the Ministry of Civil Aviation and the Ministry of Finance to impose a rule in India for acceptance of Indian Rupee on all airlines and ships based here, inbound or outbound flights for sale of onboard services or products.