UNRULY PASSENGERS AND AIR RAGE: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES IN INDIAN AVIATION

AUTHOR – SHAURYA MEHROTRA, STUDENT AT CHRIST (DEEMED TO BE UNIVERSITY) DELHI NCR, GHAZIABAD, UTTAR PRADESH

BEST CITATION – SHAURYA MEHROTRA, UNRULY PASSENGERS AND AIR RAGE: LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND CHALLENGES IN INDIAN AVIATION, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (7) OF 2025, PG. 264-222, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344

Abstract

This research paper scrutinizes the Indian legal framework regulating unruly passengers and air rage in Indian aviation with emphasis on enforcement issues and constitutional dimensions. It compares international conventions like the Tokyo Convention (1963) and Montreal Protocol (2014) with Indian laws like the Aircraft Act, 1934, and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), Section 3, Series M, Part VI (2017). The paper assesses high-profile cases such as Kunal Kamra v. IndiGo (2020) to shed light on the tensions between air safety and Article 21 of the Indian Constitution, which protects the right to life, personal liberty, and freedom of movement. Utilizing a doctrinal approach, the research examines the arbitrary powers accorded to airlines, jurisdictional lacunas, and poor crew training. It suggests reforms, such as enhanced penalties, conflict management training as a requirement, and procedural protections for the No-Fly List, to provide a balance between security and passenger rights. The conclusions seek to enhance India’s legal response to air rage in its fast-growing aviation industry.