Aviation Law
DGCA compliance, passenger rights, and aviation regulatory counsel
Satyam Dwivedi has developed a specialist aviation law practice advising international airlines and aviation businesses on DGCA compliance, Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR), passenger charter disputes, and pan-India consumer litigation. He has handled sole airline mandates with over 500 litigations across three states.
Aviation law in India is a specialised regulatory practice governed by the Aircraft Act 1934, Aircraft Rules 1937, and Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA functions as the primary regulatory body overseeing safety, licensing, airworthiness, and passenger rights. Aviation disputes and regulatory proceedings arise before the DGCA (show cause notices and compliance proceedings), National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, State Consumer Forums across India, High Courts, and the Supreme Court. Airlines, airport operators, and aviation businesses face challenges including multi-jurisdictional consumer litigation, DGCA enforcement actions, compliance with frequently updated CARs, passenger charter compensation claims, and ancillary disputes related to ground handling, employment, and commercial contracts. Managing large-volume consumer litigation across multiple states requires a systematic approach with coordinated local counsel networks. Satyam Dwivedi, trained at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas and L&L Partners and recognised as a BW Top 30 Under 30 lawyer, has served as sole counsel for an international airline managing over 500 litigations across 3 states, issued advisories on CAR and Passenger Charter compliance, and responded to DGCA show cause notices — making him one of India's few advocates with dedicated aviation law expertise.
Services in Aviation Law
Where We Appear
Notable Matters in Aviation Law
Sole counsel for an international airline — pan-India consumer and ancillary litigation across 3 major states (500+ matters)
Issued advisories on Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) and Passenger Charter compliance
Drafted and filed replies to DGCA show-cause notices
Managed a nationwide network of local counsel for airline litigation
Questions on Aviation Law
What is CAR compliance in Indian aviation law?
Civil Aviation Requirements (CAR) are regulations issued by the DGCA governing all aspects of civil aviation in India including passenger rights, safety, and operator obligations. Satyam advises airlines and aviation companies on CAR compliance, DGCA responses, and dispute resolution.
What are passenger rights under Indian aviation law for flight delays and cancellations?
Under DGCA's Civil Aviation Requirement (CAR) Section 3, Series M, Part IV — the Passenger Charter — airlines must provide compensation for flight delays beyond specified thresholds, including meals, accommodation, and monetary compensation up to INR 20,000 for cancellations. Passengers can file complaints with the airline, DGCA, or consumer forums. Satyam Dwivedi represents airlines in defending passenger compensation claims across consumer forums pan-India.
How should an airline respond to a DGCA show cause notice?
A DGCA show cause notice requires a detailed written reply within the stipulated timeframe, typically 15 to 30 days, addressing each allegation with supporting documentation and demonstrating compliance with applicable CARs. Failure to respond adequately can result in penalties, suspension of operating permissions, or other enforcement action. Satyam Dwivedi has drafted and filed replies to DGCA show cause notices for international airline clients and advises on regulatory strategy to minimise enforcement risk.
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