The Delhi High Court has summoned the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SpiceJet to appear in court regarding non-payment of dues amounting to over USD 6.03 lakh. The decision, handed down by Justice Manmeet PS Arora, denied the airline’s request for the senior officials to appear via video conferencing.
This legal action stems from a plea by aircraft engine lessors, Team France 01 SAS and another party, who are seeking enforcement of a consent order issued on May 29, which mandated the airline to pay USD 603,870.82. Despite the court’s directive, SpiceJet has failed to settle the outstanding payments, leading to this escalation.
During the recent court session, SpiceJet’s representation requested an adjournment, citing the unavailability of their senior lawyer. However, the case has been scheduled to continue on January 16, 2025. In addition to the overdue payment, the May 29 order also included provisions for SpiceJet to make interim payments of USD 4.8 million and additional weekly payments for the use of the leased aircraft engines.
Following continued non-compliance, the court had previously ordered SpiceJet to ground three aircraft engines and return them to the lessors. This decision was challenged by SpiceJet but was upheld by both the division bench of the high court and the Supreme Court.
