New Delhi: The three airlines collectively fined Rs 258 crore by fair trade regulator for acting like a cartel and "overcharging cargo freight in the garb of fuel surcharge" have decided to legally challenge this order.
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) had on Tuesday asked Jet, IndiGo and SpiceJet to pay Rs 151.7 crore, Rs 63.7 crore and Rs 42.5 crore, respectively, within 60 days.
A Jet Airways spokesman said, "Jet Airways is not in contravention of the provisions of the Competition Act and shall pursue all available legal steps to defend its position."
A statement issued by IndiGo said, "The company is studying the CCI Order and will take legal steps to challenge the order in the appropriate forum. The company has been legally advised that it is not in contravention of the provisions of the Competition Act, 2002."
While SpiceJet did not issue a statement, it is learnt that this airline company too is examining legal options to challenge the CCI verdict.
The CCI order had come on a complaint filed by Express Industry Council of India which also named Air India and GoAir, apart from the three airlines. The fair trade regulator did not find AI and GoAir guilty.
18/11/15 Saurabh Sinha/Times of India
