Agartala: The Tripura Human Rights Commission (THRC) has sought responses from Air India Express and the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) on a complaint filed by an Agartala-based pilot alleging violations of his human rights in connection with his service conditions.
The panel, headed by THRC Chairperson Justice Arindam Lodh, took cognisance of the petition filed by Captain Partha Bhowmik and directed the Union of India, through the DGCA, along with Air India Express, represented by its Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operating Officer (COO), to submit replies.
In his complaint, Bhowmik alleged that he had accepted a training bond after being assured of a posting in Kolkata and a promotion, but neither assurance was fulfilled. He also claimed that he was not paid a salary for about 13 months, between October 11, 2023, and June 22, 2026, before his services were terminated on June 22 this year without prior notice.
The petitioner further alleged that the airline did not issue his No Objection Certificate (NOC) and other service-related documents, preventing him from taking up employment elsewhere.
According to the complaint, the introduction of a Group Seniority List in August 2024 adversely affected his career progression and promotional prospects.
He also claimed that the stoppage of his salary and subsequent termination caused severe financial distress, forcing him to mortgage gold ornaments, default on loan repayments and face recovery proceedings.
Bhowmik further stated that the discontinuation of corporate medical benefits after his termination affected the treatment of his 78-year-old mother, who was admitted to an intensive care unit on June 26, 2026.
The complainant sought an inquiry into the alleged violations, the release of his NOC and employment records, payment of Rs 2.44 crore towards alleged dues, Rs 1 crore as compensation for alleged psychological harassment and misconduct, and total compensation of Rs 3.44 crore.
After examining the petition and the documents placed before it, the commission noted that Bhowmik had earlier served with Vistara before joining Air India Express following the restructuring of the Tata Group’s airline operations.
The commission observed that the allegations raised issues relating to the complainant’s service conditions, salary, career progression and the withdrawal of medical benefits after the merger.
Taking a prima facie view that the matter involved alleged human rights concerns, the THRC issued notices to the respondents and fixed September 2, 2026, as the next date for filing their replies.