SC directs AI

New Delhi, Nov 1 (UNI) The Supreme Court today directed Air India Limited and Air India Cabin Crew Association to maintain status quo till November 19, regarding an order permitting air hostesses to be appointed as Inflight Supervisors.

A bench, comprising Justices H K Sema and Lokeshwar Singh Panta, issued the status quo order and fixed November 19 for hearing of the petition when it was mentioned before the bench for an early hearing.

The petitioner association has appealed to the apex court against the Delhi High Court order dated October 8, dismissing their writ petition against the administrative order dated December 27, 2005.

Under the administrative order air hostesses who according to the petitioner belonged to a distinct and seperate cadre were being considered for appointment as 'in flight supervisor', which post is exclusively in the hierarchy of promotional avenues of the Assistant flight purser's stream.

According to the petitioner association, the impugned administrative order is without jurisdiction, illegal, arbitrary, discriminatory and violates not only the principles of natural justice, but also the Articles 14, 16 and 21 of the Constitution.

The age of retirement of the female air hostesses and assistant flight pursers has also been brought at par and a common seniority list has to be prepared.

The association consist of 272 men and 153 women.

UNI