The Supreme Court of India has assured the father of the late Air India pilot involved in the tragic Ahmedabad crash that “nobody believes the pilot was at fault.” The remarks came while hearing a petition seeking a court-monitored probe into the incident that claimed the lives of 260 people, including 19 on the ground.
The petition was filed by the 91-year-old father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, the pilot-in-command of the ill-fated Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner. He argued that the current investigation, conducted by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB), was incomplete and unfairly suggested pilot error without thoroughly examining potential technical or systemic failures.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi made the observation during the proceedings, assuring the petitioner that the public does not believe his son was responsible for the disaster. The bench noted that such a sensitive issue must be handled with care and integrity, and should not be swayed by speculative reports.
The petitioner’s counsel urged the Court to form an independent judicial commission, headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and assisted by aviation experts, to conduct a fresh inquiry. He contended that a neutral, transparent investigation was necessary to restore public confidence and protect the late pilot’s reputation.
The Court also took note of concerns over foreign media reports suggesting pilot negligence, stating that conclusions about the cause of the crash cannot be drawn from such sources. The matter was adjourned with directions to continue examining whether a judicially monitored inquiry is warranted.
This case has reignited broader questions about aviation safety, transparency in accident investigations, and accountability within India’s civil aviation framework. The Supreme Court’s observations have been seen as a reassurance to the pilot’s family and a reminder that thorough, impartial investigation is essential in matters involving public safety.
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