Law of exclusivity

Law of exclusivity

MPs oppose flying bans, show symptoms of VIP culture
Rajya Sabha deputy chairperson PJ Kurien's observation that airlines cannot ban anyone from flying contrasts starkly with the evolving consensus on unruly passengers. Kurien was responding to SP leader Naresh Aggarwal's demand that flying bans on MPs should be met with breach of privilege notices. Their grouse stems from the bans imposed on MPs Ravindra Gaikwad and JC Diwakar Reddy for misbehaviour with airline staff. Two issues ¬ VIP privileges and business obligations ¬ militate against this political hankering for immunity.
After banning red beacons, Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted an “atmosphere of hatred for VIP culture“. But MPs and MLAs do not seem to get that message. They reserve for themselves the right to review and hike their own salaries instead of delegating the task to an independent pay commission. When denied first class seats (Gaikwad), or refused boarding (Reddy) because departure gates had closed, an ordinary passenger would have cursed his her luck. Gaikwad and Reddy behaved as they did precisely because of their VIP status.
Condoning such behaviour can have a disastrous effect on the aviation business. Airlines have a tough job ensuring timely operations besides aircraft and passenger security. Every sector has its own laws. For example, SEBI bars violators from trading in various markets. The civil aviation ministry has floated a draft Civil Aviation Requirement amendment allowing airlines to ban unruly passengers immediately. Suspensions ranging between three months and two years or more can be awarded by a panel later. Kurien wanted the “law of the land to take its course“. A law formalising the no-fly list is taking shape and makes no exceptions for MPs. Thursday's Rajya Sabha session leaves some doubts: were the discussants aware of this draft's existence or were they pressuring the government to withdraw it?