SpiceJet passenger clicks 'objectionable' pictures of air hostess on Delhi-Mumbai flight, DCW issues notice

The Delhi Commission for Women has taken cognizance of a video that was posted on social media and has issued a notice over the alleged sexual harassment of a flight attendant by a passenger. According to a social media post, the passenger made an attempt to take 'objectionable' photos of a female flight attendant and a fellow passenger when they were on a flight from Delhi to Mumbai.

DCW Chief Swati Maliwal tweeted, "In a flight from Delhi to Mumbai, a passenger secretly took videos and objectionable photos of the flight attendant and other women. A video about this is going viral on Instagram. This is a very serious matter, taking cognizance they are issuing notices to the police and DGCA." She also shared copies of the notices sent to respective authorities.

The incident happened on Spicejet flight No 157 on August 16. "It is alleged in the viral video that a passenger was trying to click obscene pictures of a woman flight attendant and his woman co-passenger. It has been stated that when his mobile phone was checked, objectionable pictures of the women onboard the plane were found in his mobile," the notice read.

August 18, 2023

In the notice it has written to the Delhi Police, the DCW has requested a copy of the FIR filed, details regarding the suspects who have been caught, and a comprehensive action-taken report. Police were asked to explain why they did not arrest the suspect in the event that they failed to do so.

"A passenger seated in the first row of SpiceJet flight SG157 operating from Delhi to Mumbai on 2nd August was found clicking pictures of cabin crew, while she was seated on the jump seat at the time of take-off. The passenger was confronted by the crew members. He deleted the pictures from his phone and apologised for his action. The passenger also gave a written apology," says the airline spokesperson.

August 18, 2023

The DGCA has been asked for details about the passenger's treatment, as well as whether the incident was reported to the Internal Complaint Committee in accordance with the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act or to another committee. DCW has mentioned that if this wasn't done, reasons should be provided. 

Addressing the incident, a Spicejet spokesperson said, "A passenger seated in the first row of SpiceJet flight SG157 operating from Delhi to Mumbai on 2nd August was found clicking pictures of cabin crew, while she was seated on the jump seat at the time of take-off. The passenger was confronted by the crew members. He deleted the pictures from his phone and apologised for his action. The passenger also gave a written apology," says the airline spokesperson."