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Disqualification row: Election Commission has 'hit a new low', says AAP

News Network
January 19, 2018

New Delhi, Jan 19: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) today said the Election Commission (EC) has hit "a new low" by recommending that 20 AAP MLAs be disqualified for holding 'offices of profit', because the electoral body "didn't give the legislators a chance to present their case".

AAP also called the EC's decision a "conspiracy" against the party that rode an anti-corruption wave to win Delhi by a landslide in 2015. It was also extremely critical of the EC chief AK Joti.

"Election Commission chief AK Joti is trying to repay Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi before he retires", alleged AAP's Saurabh Bhardwaj in a media conference called after news of the EC's decision broke. In a tweet, he said that Joti, who turns 65 on January 23, will have to retire.

Another AAP leader called the EC's decision "a new low" for the national electoral body, and alleged it is kowtowing to the ruling BJP and PM Modi.

"EC should not be the letter box of the PMO (Prime Minister's Office)...but that is a reality today... (A) person like me who has covered EC as reporter during (ex-EC chef TN) Seshan days, today I can say EC has never touched so low ever. Sad," tweeted AAP leader Ashutosh.

AAP also said it heard about the EC's "unfair" recommendation through sources and not directly.

"Disqualification of MLAs was reported through 'sources', the MLAs did not get a chance to present their point," said Bhardwaj.

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News Network
December 6,2025

pilot.jpg

New Delhi: IndiGo, India’s largest airline, faced major operational turbulence this week after failing to prepare for new pilot-fatigue regulations issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The stricter rules—designed to improve flight safety—took effect in phases through 2024, with the latest implementation on November 1. IndiGo has acknowledged that inadequate roster planning led to widespread cancellations and delays.

Below are the key DGCA rules that affected IndiGo’s operations:

1. Longer Mandatory Weekly Rest

Weekly rest for pilots has been increased from 36 hours to 48 hours.

The government says the extended break is essential to curb cumulative fatigue. This rule remains in force despite the current crisis.

2. Cap on Night Landings

Pilots can now perform only two night landings per week—a steep reduction from the earlier limit of six.

Night hours, defined as midnight to early morning, are considered the least alert period for pilots.

Given the disruptions, this rule has been temporarily relaxed for IndiGo until February 10.

3. Reduced Maximum Night Flight Duty

Flight duty that stretches into the night is now capped at 10 hours.

This measure has also been kept on hold for IndiGo until February 10 to stabilize operations.

4. Weekly Rest Cannot Be Replaced With Personal Leave

Airlines can no longer count a pilot’s personal leave as part of the mandatory 48-hour rest.

Pilots say this closes a loophole that previously reduced actual rest time.

Currently, all airlines are exempt from this rule to normalise travel.

5. Mandatory Fatigue Monitoring

Airlines must submit quarterly fatigue reports along with corrective actions to DGCA.

This system aims to create a transparent fatigue-tracking framework across the industry.

The DGCA has stressed that these rules were crafted to strengthen flight safety and align India with global fatigue-management standards. The temporary relaxations are expected to remain until February 2025, giving IndiGo time to stabilise its schedules and restore normal air travel.

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