NEW DELHI, Sept 22 – The Supreme Court on Monday criticized the selective publication of the preliminary report on the June 12 Air India plane crash, calling it “unfortunate and irresponsible” as it allegedly built a media narrative by focusing on pilot lapses while the investigation is still pending.
A bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh issued notices to the Centre and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), seeking their response on demands for an independent, fair, and time-bound probe into the crash.
The court observed that the preliminary report, issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on July 12, was released in a “piecemeal and selective” manner, ignoring the privacy and dignity of the victims’ families.
“Selective release of findings before the completion of the investigation is irresponsible. It builds a media narrative when the matter requires a thorough and unbiased inquiry,” the bench noted.
The court will hear the matter after the Centre and DGCA file their responses.