The high court's order came on a plea by erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots for a stay on management's decision to train only erstwhile Air India pilots.
"I hereby make it clear that those pilots of Air India, who are already on training on advanced aircrafts, shall not be disturbed," said Justice Suresh Kait, adding, however, "...
those who have already taken the training on advance aircraft shall be subject to the outcome of the instant petition."
"I am of the considered opinion that till the report submitted by Justice Dharmadhikari Committee is implemented, the imparting of training on advanced aircraft, in this manner, shall remain stayed," the court said.
The court's verdict came on a plea by the erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots under the banner of Indian Commercial Pilots Association for an order to stay the ongoing training and also direct Air India to impart training to them as well along with their counterparts in Air India for the rank of Commanders for Boeing 777.
Considering ICPA's contention that if the new training system is implemented, co-pilots of Air India will be directly promoted to the post of commanders of the advanced aircraft, the court observed it will prejudice the rights of erstwhile Indian Airlines pilots who will remain as commanders of basic aircraft only, thus affecting their seniority.
". . . if the same system is allowed to go on, it will definitely cause prejudice to the rights and contention of the petitioners, because the petitioners shall remain commander of basic aircraft, while the co-pilots
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