AAIB Report on Air India Plane Crash Due in Sealed Cover: Supreme Court

• The Supreme Court has ordered the AAIB to submit its report on the Air India plane crash in a sealed cover.
• The AAIB has assured the court that it will complete its investigation within six weeks and have its draft final report ready by October 2026.
• The AAIB's affidavit highlighted its track record of conducting thorough investigations into aircraft accidents, with over 218 completed investigations since its establishment in July 2012.

The AAIB is a specialized statutory body that has demonstrated its expertise in investigating aircraft accidents and incidents.

In a significant development, the Supreme Court has ordered the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) to submit its report on the Air India plane crash in a sealed cover. This decision comes after the AAIB filed its response before the court, stating that it would complete its investigation within six weeks and have its draft final report ready by October 2026. The AAIB's affidavit highlighted its track record of conducting thorough investigations into aircraft accidents, with over 218 completed investigations since its establishment in July 2012. This includes 97 accident investigations, 120 serious incident investigations, and one incident investigation. The AAIB's response was part of its counter-affidavit filed before the Supreme Court in petitions seeking an independent, court-monitored investigation into the Air India plane crash at Ahmedabad on June 12, 2025.

The AAIB is a specialized statutory body that has demonstrated its expertise in investigating aircraft accidents and incidents. Its affidavit before the Supreme Court highlighted its commitment to conducting investigations in accordance with international standards, as well as its thoroughness and consistency in discharging its mandate. The AAIB's experience in handling complex cases is evident from its record of completing 218 investigations since its inception. This includes a range of accident and incident investigations that have been conducted with precision and attention to detail. The AAIB's ability to conduct investigations independently has been recognized by the court, which has accepted its assurance that it will submit its report in a sealed cover.

The Supreme Court's decision to accept the AAIB's submission of its report in a sealed cover is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it reflects the court's trust in the AAIB's ability to conduct thorough and impartial investigations. Secondly, it sets a precedent for future aviation-related investigations in India, where the role of the AAIB will be crucial. The decision also underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in such investigations, as emphasized by the Centre's commitment to examining, adjudicating, and determining the case arising from the accident. As the investigation unfolds, it is essential that all parties involved adhere to international protocols and ensure a transparent process.

Lawyers and compliance officers should watch for the potential implications of this development on future aviation-related investigations in India, particularly with regards to the role of the AAIB and the submission of reports in sealed cover.

Source: Original reporting via Supreme Court of India