The Supreme Court bench of Justice Surya Kant & Justice N. Kotiswar Singh has expressed serious concern over the selective leak of the preliminary inquiry report into the tragic crash of Air India Flight AI171. The accident, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad airport on June 12, 2025, claimed the lives of 260 people.

Such concerns stem from the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Safety Matters Foundation, which sought a free, fair, impartial, and independent investigation into the incident, monitored by the Supreme Court.

Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for the foundation, contended that the five-member team constituted to investigate the accident included three serving officers of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). He submitted that this created a conflict of interest, as the DGCA’s regulatory oversight itself was under scrutiny in the case. The Court took note of this contention while also raising questions about the petitioner's demand for disclosure of the Flight Data Recorder (FDR) at the preliminary stage. Justice Kant observed that such disclosure was “not advisable” before the completion of the inquiry.

Furthermore, the court’s attention was brought to the grievance raised by several pilots and families of victims over a line in the preliminary report that suggested a pilot had questioned another about the fuel cutoff. It was highlighted to the court that such a line was seized upon by the international media to advance a narrative of pilot error, even before the official report was released.

Justice Kant observed, “That was very unfortunate,”

"Instead of piecemeal leaking of information, somebody should maintain confidentiality till regular inquiry is taken to logical conclusion,"

The bench also addressed concerns over speculative and sensational reporting. Reports in certain media outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, suggested pilot negligence or even suicidal intent. The bench termed such coverage “very irresponsible” and emphasized that confidentiality was paramount to prevent the spread of rumors and unwarranted speculation.

Thus, after due consideration, the Court directed issuance of notice to the respondents confined to the prayer seeking a free, fair, impartial, speedy, and independent investigation by a competent expert body.

Case Title: Safety Matters Foundation v. Union of India & Ors., W.P.(C) No. 920/2025