SpiceJet on Sunday said it has taken note of the Supreme Court’s order declining to interfere with the earlier directive requiring the airline to deposit Rs 144 crore as security, pending the hearing of its claims. The company stated that it is reviewing the order and will comply with all directions issued by the court.
The airline clarified that the development will have no impact on its day-to-day operations.
The dispute stems from a share transfer agreement involving SpiceJet, its promoter Ajay Singh, KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran. According to the company, it has already paid a total of Rs 730 crore to Kalanithi Maran and KAL Airways — comprising Rs 580 crore towards the principal amount and Rs 150 crore as interest.
As per the court’s direction, the remaining amount will be deposited with the court in line with the ongoing arbitration process. SpiceJet emphasized that the payment is a court-held deposit while its appeal is under consideration.
The airline remains confident of securing a potential refund of Rs 449 crore once the legal process concludes.
SpiceJet also noted that claims exceeding Rs 1,300 crore in damages made by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran have been rejected, with those orders attaining finality. Additionally, all challenges to the arbitral award by KAL Airways and Kalanithi Maran have been dismissed.
The matter regarding SpiceJet’s claims for a refund is currently being heard by the Delhi High Court, where the company said there is a prima facie observation in its favour.