NEW DELHI, June 10: Air India has rejected allegations that it is pressuring the families of the AI-171 crash victims to sign legal waivers in exchange for compensation, asserting there is “absolutely no deadline or pressure” to accept settlement offers.
The clarification follows claims by Radhika Mishra, daughter of former Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, that the airline was coercing bereaved families into waiving their right to pursue legal action against the carrier and the aircraft manufacturer before the crash investigation is concluded.
In a statement, the airline clarified that the settlement process is entirely voluntary and families are free to wait for the official investigation report before making a decision.
Air India also maintained that the indemnity clause in the settlement documents is a standard legal provision and not an attempt to strip relatives of their rights.
The dispute arose after families expressed concern over being asked to sign “full and final” agreements without knowing the cause of the June 12, 2025, disaster. Mishra had urged the airline to remove the waiver requirement, arguing that families should not have to choose between financial relief and the right to seek justice. She alleged the terms shield the airline and the manufacturer from future claims.
Air India defended its approach, stating that compensation discussions are being handled with sensitivity and the offer remains open for families to decide at their convenience. (Agencies)
