Delhi High Court to Hear SpiceJet's Plea on Engine Grounding Order

The Delhi High Court will consider SpiceJet's urgent plea challenging an order to ground three engines and return them to lessors within 15 days. The initial court order, prompted by SpiceJet's financial arrears, was issued to prevent continued engine depreciation and plaintiff's financial loss.

The Delhi High Court has agreed to consider SpiceJet's plea challenging an order to ground three engines and return them to their lessors, Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS, within 15 days. SpiceJet's counsel mentioned the matter on Friday for urgent listing before the bench led by Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela. The court, however, has declined to hear the plea immediately.

In an order passed on August 14, 2024, the bench of Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora initially directed SpiceJet to ground the engines by August 16 and return them within the specified timeframe. The court sided with the plaintiff/lessors, who argued they were suffering irreparable loss due to the engines' continued use by SpiceJet, as these are depreciating assets undergoing wear and tear.

Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora noted that SpiceJet, as a defaulter, has no legal or contractual right to continue using the engines. The inability to pay the outstanding dues is evident in the records, and allowing continued use without payment would financially distress the plaintiffs. This balance of convenience favored the plaintiffs. The court directed that the engines be grounded by August 16 and returned within 15 days.

Additionally, the court ordered SpiceJet to facilitate inspection of the engines at Delhi Airport by the plaintiffs, Team France 01 SAS and Sunbird France 02 SAS, within seven days. SpiceJet must also provide inspection passes to the plaintiffs' authorised representatives. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)