The Supreme Court on Thursday addressed a plea seeking an independent investigation into the Air India crash that killed over 250 people in Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025. While hearing the matter, the top court clarified that the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) conducts inquiries to determine causes and recommend safety measures—not to assign blame. The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, issued notice to the Centre, seeking its response to the petition filed by Captain Sumit Sabharwal’s father and the NGO Safety Matters Foundation.

The petitioners argued that the AAIB’s preliminary findings, which suggested possible “human error” as a cause, were flawed and failed to account for evidence pointing to potential electrical or system failures. According to the preliminary report released on July 12, both engine fuel control switches on the aircraft moved from RUN to CUTOFF shortly after takeoff, causing a sudden loss of thrust. The deceased pilot’s father contended that this finding was insufficient and requested a court-monitored independent investigation to ensure accountability and transparency.

Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta emphasized that the investigation is being conducted in accordance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) standards, which provide a statutory framework for air crash inquiries. He clarified that international practice ensures no individual is blamed during the investigation, and foreign representatives are allowed to participate when their nationals are affected. Mehta also noted that a ministry press note was issued to dispel misconceptions arising from the preliminary report, reiterating that no party had been assigned blame.

The Supreme Court reiterated that the objective of the AAIB inquiry is to identify causes and provide safety recommendations to prevent future accidents, rather than to apportion responsibility. “The purpose of the AAIB inquiry is not to apportion blame. Its object is to clarify the cause and give recommendations so that the same does not happen again,” the bench said. Justice Kant further cautioned that the proceedings should not transform into a dispute between airlines or stakeholders and directed the Solicitor General to submit a detailed response addressing the concerns raised in the petition.

The bench granted time to the petitioners to file counter-affidavits in response to the government’s submission. The matter has been adjourned for further hearing after two weeks.

The tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash on June 12 claimed over 250 lives, including all 12 crew members and 19 people on the ground. The incident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, has sparked widespread public interest in aviation safety protocols and the transparency of investigative processes in India.

The petition by Captain Sabharwal’s father and the NGO reflects broader concerns over ensuring that air crash investigations are thorough, impartial, and follow international best practices while also addressing the families’ need for truthful information about the causes. The Supreme Court’s observations highlight the delicate balance between assigning accountability and focusing on systemic improvements in civil aviation safety.

The case continues to draw attention to issues of aviation safety, procedural transparency, and the role of judicial oversight in large-scale air crash investigations in India.