HC notice to defunct Go First for blocking court-ordered inspection

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has issued a show-cause notice to the resolution professional of crisis-hit ‘Go First’ airline, asking why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against him for wilfully disobeying judicial orders on allowing inspection and maintenance of lessors’ aircraft.

The high court said the RP (Resolution Professional) cannot plead difficulties in the implementation of the October 12, 2023, judgment after contempt proceedings have been filed by a lessor seeking to enforce court orders.

“Prima facie, the orders of this court have been wilfully disobeyed by the respondent/ RP. Issue notice to show cause as to why proceedings of contempt be not initiated...,” Justice Tara Vitasta Ganju said.

The counsel for the RP submitted that he was willing to revert to the position regarding the maintenance of the aircraft. The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 15.

It was hearing a petition filed by one of the lessors – DAE (SY22) 13 Ireland Designated Activity Company – seeking the initiation of contempt proceedings against the RP for not complying with the court’s orders.

The plea said aircraft were not being maintained by the RP, documents needed were not being provided to them and even inspections, as directed by the court, were not being allowed.

Several other lessors have also raised similar issues and contentions regarding the non-compliance of orders passed by the court from time to time.

The court is seized of several petitions by Go First’s lessors seeking the deregistration of their planes by aviation regulator DGCA so they could take them back from the airline. It was argued by the contempt petitioner that the RP wilfully failed to undertake regular maintenance and monthly inspections of aircraft and to provide aircraft records and documents.

On the other hand, the RP submitted that there was no wilful disobedience of court orders and that he was taking steps to effectuate such compliance.