The Supreme Court in India heard a petition filed by the Safety Matters Foundation against the Indian Government, Ministry of Aviation, DGCA and the AAIB India.
The petition states:
That the preliminary report issued by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) on July 12, 2025 attributes the crash to fuel control switches being moved from “RUN” to “CUTOFF,” thereby suggesting pilot error.
That the preliminary report withholds critical information:
The full output of the Digital Flight Data Recorder (DFDR).
The full transcript of the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR).
Electronic Aircraft Fault Recording (EAFR) data and other technical logs / fault messages/
advisories.
That there is a conflict of interest because three of the five members of the investigation team are serving officers of the DGCA (the regulatory body) whose own oversight actions are themselves implicated in the petition.
That citizens’ fundamental rights under the Constitution are being violated, particularly:
Article 21 (safety).
Article 14 (impartiality).
Article 19 (access to truthful information).
The petition seeks:
Public disclosure of all basic factual data.
Appointment of an independent investigator.
Direction that the ongoing AAIB investigation be free, fair, impartial, independent and expeditious.
UK aerospace Richard Godfrey said:
“The Court described parts of the preliminary report as “unfortunate” and “irresponsible”.
“It has sought written statements from the Central Government, DGCA, and AAIB with respect to the petition.
“The Court emphasized that it will ensure that the investigation is conducted in a “free, fair, impartial, independent and expeditious” manner.
“The Court expressed concern about selective leaks (lines/comments from cockpit recordings being publicized before the full inquiry is completed), which might distort public perception.
“The Court has scheduled further hearing—the next date listed is 11th October 2025.”
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