On Tuesday, SpiceJet rejected the assertions made by KAL Airways and its chairman, Kalanithi Maran, regarding damages amounting to Rs 1,323 crore.
SpiceJet Labels It ‘Legally Unsustainable’
The airline labeled these claims as legally unsustainable and reiterated that they echoed previously discredited claims by the Arbitral Tribunal and the Delhi High Court.
According to SpiceJet’s official statement, KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran initially pursued damages exceeding Rs.1300 crore through arbitration proceedings.
However, a panel comprising three retired Supreme Court judges rigorously scrutinized and subsequently dismissed this claim.
Undeterred by the arbitration outcome, KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran then sought recourse in the single-judge Bench of the Delhi High Court, reiterating their demand for the same quantum of damages.
Once again, the court ruled against them, refusing to entertain their claim.
SpiceJet’s spokesperson highlighted the crucial point that despite these setbacks, KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran chose not to pursue any further appeal before the appellate jurisdiction, effectively bringing the matter to a conclusive end.
The spokesperson condemned the renewed attempt to sensationalize the issue and mislead the public, asserting that the case lacked merit.
The recent ruling by the Division Bench of the Delhi High Court on May 17 marked a significant victory for SpiceJet and its chief, Ajay Singh.
In light of this favorable decision, the airline intends to pursue a refund of Rs. 450 crores, as outlined in their previous statement.
However, the saga continues as KAL Airways and Maran, in a defiant move, expressed their intention to persist in seeking damages exceeding Rs 1,323 crore from SpiceJet and Ajay Singh.
They also plan to challenge the recent ruling of the Delhi High Court in their ongoing legal battle.
After consultations with their legal advisors, Maran and KAL Airways remain steadfast in their resolve to contest the verdict.
They argue that the judgment is inherently flawed and warrants further examination, indicating a protracted legal confrontation ahead.
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