India’s Highest Court Condemns Premature Pilot Blame and Media Leaks in Deadly June Accident
India’s Supreme Court has delivered a scathing rebuke to the country’s aviation authorities over their handling of the investigation into the catastrophic Air India crash that claimed 260 lives in June 2025. The court’s sharp criticism centers on what it termed “irresponsible” and “very unfortunate” behavior by investigators who prematurely suggested pilot error as the cause of the disaster through selective media leaks.
The Tragic Incident
On June 12, 2025, Air India Flight 171, a Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, crashed just 32 seconds after takeoff from Ahmedabad Airport. The aircraft, bound for London’s Gatwick Airport, plummeted into the hostel block of B.J. Medical College, approximately 1.7 kilometers from the runway. The devastating accident resulted in the deaths of all 12 crew members and 229 of the 230 passengers on board, with only one survivor. Additionally, 19 people on the ground were killed, and 67 others sustained serious injuries.
Supreme Court’s Harsh Rebuke
During a hearing on Monday, September 22, 2025, a Supreme Court bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N. Kotiswar Singh delivered an unprecedented criticism of the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) and aviation authorities. The court was responding to a petition filed by an NGO demanding an independent investigation into the crash.
Justice Kant specifically condemned the premature conclusions being drawn about pilot fault, stating that suggestions the pilots deliberately shut off the fuel supply were “very unfortunate and irresponsible.” The court expressed serious concerns about how certain aspects of the AAIB’s preliminary report, which indicated potential pilot lapses, were being portrayed in the media.
“Instead of piecemeal leaking of information, somebody should maintain confidentiality till a regular investigation is complete,” Justice Kant emphasized, highlighting the damage such premature disclosures could cause to the investigation’s integrity.
The Controversy Over Pilot Error Claims
The preliminary investigation report suggested that the crash occurred due to the fuel cutoff switches being moved from “run” to “cutoff” positions, which investigators initially attributed to potential pilot error. However, this finding was leaked to various media outlets, including international publications, creating a narrative that blamed the flight crew without conclusive evidence.
The Supreme Court warned that if blame for the accident is prematurely attributed to human error instead of documented mechanical vulnerabilities of the aircraft, the credibility of the entire probe could be compromised. The court stressed that such unverified theories and premature leaks could worsen public speculation and undermine justice for the victims’ families.
Legal Action and Demands for Transparency
The Safety Research International Foundation, an NGO, filed a petition in the Supreme Court alleging that the ongoing investigation lacks impartiality and shows signs of bias from its inception. The organization has demanded that the investigation be conducted under Supreme Court supervision and that all flight data be made public.
The petition raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest within the investigation team and criticizes the withholding of crucial flight data from public scrutiny. The NGO argues that the preliminary report did not include the full Digital Flight Data Recorder information, raising questions about the completeness and transparency of the investigation.
Families Seek Justice Through Courts
Meanwhile, families of crash victims have taken legal action in the United States, filing lawsuits against Boeing and Honeywell in Delaware court. The lawsuit, which appears to be the first in the U.S. regarding this crash, alleges that faulty fuel switches caused the accident. The families blame negligence and defective fuel cutoff switches for the tragedy that claimed their loved ones’ lives.
Court’s Call for Government Response
The Supreme Court has issued notices to the Union government, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), and other relevant authorities, seeking their response to the allegations of mishandled investigation. The court has called upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government to provide a comprehensive response before it rules on the case.
Justice Kant emphasized the importance of maintaining investigative integrity, warning against drawing premature conclusions that could prejudice the final outcome. The court stressed that proper protocols must be followed to ensure a fair and thorough investigation that serves justice for the 260 victims and their families.
Implications for Aviation Safety
This unprecedented judicial intervention has raised serious questions about the credibility of India’s aviation safety investigation procedures. The Supreme Court’s criticism highlights the need for more robust, transparent, and independent investigation processes for major aviation accidents.
The crash has already prompted broader discussions about aviation safety in India’s airspace, and the Supreme Court’s intervention underscores the critical importance of conducting thorough, unbiased investigations free from premature conclusions and media speculation.
Next Steps
The court has scheduled the matter for further hearing, awaiting responses from the government and aviation authorities. The intervention represents a significant moment in ensuring accountability and transparency in one of India’s most tragic aviation disasters in recent years.
As the legal proceedings continue, families of the victims continue to seek answers and justice, while the aviation industry watches closely to see how this case might reshape investigation protocols and accountability measures in Indian aviation safety oversight.
