Delhi High Court rejects SpiceJet's plea in ₹144.5 crore deposit case

The Delhi High Court has turned down SpiceJet's plea seeking additional time to comply with a deposit order involving ₹144.5 crore owed to entities controlled by the Maran group. Justice rejected the airline's application in a recent hearing, marking another setback in the carrier's legal efforts to manage its financial obligations.

The court specifically declined SpiceJet's alternative proposal to furnish a property title deed in place of the required cash deposit. This decision underscores the judiciary's insistence on strict compliance with deposit orders, particularly in cases involving substantial financial liabilities.

SpiceJet has been grappling with mounting financial pressures in recent years, leading to multiple court proceedings and settlement negotiations. The Maran group's claim against the airline stems from earlier business arrangements between the parties. The high court's firm stance suggests the airline faces limited flexibility in restructuring its payment obligations through the legal system.

The order adds to the operational and financial challenges facing India's low-cost carrier as it navigates recovery from pandemic-related losses and other business headwinds. SpiceJet's ability to meet the court-mandated deposit will have implications for its financial position and operational capacity going forward.