New Delhi/IBNS, Dec. 10 -- TheIndiGo crisisthat triggered thousands of flight cancellations and causedfares to skyrocketto nearly Rs 40,000 came under severe judicial scrutiny on Wednesday.

The Delhi High Court sharply rebuked the Centre for allowing such a situation to unfold, questioning why airline ticket prices were permitted to surge to levels higher than many international routes.

Justice Subramonium Prasad Gedela questioned the government's inaction: "If there were a crisis, how could other airlines be permitted to take advantage? How can the fare go to Rs 35,000 to Rs 39,000? How can it happen?"

The court noted that flights between Delhi and Mumbai-one of India's busiest sectors-were selling for more than Rs 35,000 in economy, ...