Supreme Court seeks AAIB status report on AI171, stresses institutional restraint

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ref: SMF/PR/2026/02/011/v1

Headline: Supreme Court seeks AAIB status report, stresses institutional restraint

Subheadline: Court to review probe outcome before considering further mechanisms

Gurugram, India — 11 February 2026 — Safety Matters Foundation (SMF) today noted the Supreme Court’s hearing of submissions concerning the ongoing Air India AI171 air crash investigation and the procedural framework being followed by the authorities. The Court recorded that a brief report outlining the procedural protocol followed so far will be filed within three weeks and indicated that the outcome of the ongoing AAIB probe will be examined before considering whether any further mechanism, including a Court of Inquiry, is required.

Key Points

• Supreme Court directs filing of a brief protocol/status report
• AAIB probe remains the primary investigative mechanism under review
• Status report to be filed within three weeks; further steps thereafter

Quote

“The Court’s emphasis on institutional restraint and a process-led approach is important in technically complex investigations. We will await the official order and the filing of the status report before making any further comments,” said Capt. Amit Singh, Founder, Safety Matters Foundation.

Details

What’s happening: The Supreme Court heard submissions related to the ongoing air crash investigation and the procedural framework being followed by authorities. The Court recorded that a brief report outlining the procedural protocol followed so far will be filed within three weeks.

Who it’s for / who it affects: The proceedings concern aviation safety oversight, investigative processes, and stakeholders connected to the ongoing probe, as well as the broader public interest in transparent and accountable mechanisms.

When / where: Supreme Court proceedings, New Delhi; status/protocol report to be filed within three weeks from 11 February 2026 (India Standard Time).

How it works (optional): The Bench indicated it will examine the outcome of the ongoing AAIB investigation before considering whether any additional mechanism, including a Court of Inquiry, is necessary. The Court also emphasised that the proceedings are not intended to become a “blame game.”

Supporting Information

Background: The Court noted that the issues involved are complex and require institutional restraint, underscoring the importance of allowing established investigative processes to proceed.

Key figures (if any):

• Status/protocol report timeline: within three weeks

Partners (if any): None stated.

Call to Action

Learn more: http://www.safetymatters.co.in

Media Contact

Capt. Amit Singh FRAeS

Tel: +919899399776

Email: amit@safetymatters.co.in

Website: http://www.safetymatters.co.in

About Safety Matters Foundation (SMF)

Safety Matters Foundation (SMF) is a Gurugram-based aviation safety non-profit dedicated to strengthening aviation safety through research, advocacy, and awareness. SMF works with stakeholders to promote transparency, systemic learning, and accountability to enhance public confidence in aviation safety frameworks.

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