India’s federal government told the Supreme Court Friday that new regulations to curb sudden airfare surges have received administrative approval and will be officially notified within two weeks.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed a three-judge bench, led by Justice Vikram Nath, that the finalized rules are ready following administrative clearance. The court directed the government to place the published regulations on record ahead of the next hearing, scheduled for Nov. 16.

The update comes during a public interest litigation filed by activist S. Laxminarayanan, which challenges what it calls opaque and exploitative pricing models used by private airlines during peak travel periods, holidays, and emergencies. Senior counsel Rabindra Shrivastava raised concerns over ongoing delays in publishing the framework, noting that travelers face steep price hikes during the upcoming festival season. 

The petition seeks an independent regulatory body to ensure transparent fare structures and protect consumer interests. It also questions the reduction of free check-in baggage allowances from 25 kilograms to 15 kilograms, arguing passengers are forced to pay extra for previously included services.