SC stays Bombay HC stay on rest for pilots

New Delhi, Jul 10 (UNI) The Supreme Court today stayed till further orders the operation of a stay by the Bombay High Court on a government notification permitting pilots to take rest after two landings every nine hours.

A bench comprising Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan, and Justices P Sathasivam and J M Panchal issued the order on a petition filed by Director General, Civil Aviation Kanu Gohain challenging the impugned order, dated July 1, 2008.

The Union Civil Aviation Ministry through circular dated May 29, 2008 had changed the Civil Aeronautical Requirement (CAR) permitting pilots to take rest after every nine hours including two landings.

Earlier, pilots were entitled to rest after three landings.

With today's order issued by the court, the 1992 order of Civil Aviation Ministry permitting three landings in nine hours has become operative.

Owners of Airlines were opposed to the new circular because it has increased their operation cost.

The apex court also allowed the impleadment application filed by Jet Airways, while other leading airline companies are already parties in the case.

The stay order was passed by the High Court on the petition filed by the Joint Action Committee of Airline Pilots Association of India against the decision of the Civil Aviation Ministry to keep its order in abeyance following representations made by Airline companies.

The apex court has fixed the matter for further hearing in the fourth week of the month starting from July 21.

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