Delhi High Court Issues Notice to Centre on PIL Against Drone Federation of India Over Alleged Forgery

Court Issues Notice to Centre

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) while issuing notice on a public interest litigation (PIL) filed against the Drone Federation of India over allegations of forgery.

The bench led by Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, also comprising Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, orally remarked that the DGCA should have filed a complaint and registered an FIR regarding the forgery.

DGCA, MCA Directed to Submit Reports

The court also directed DGCA, MCA, and other authorities to submit separate reports on the status of the investigation. The matter is scheduled for a detailed hearing on March 19, 2025. The bench also questioned how a private entity could present itself as a government organisation.

Government Response & Alleged Forgery

During the hearing, the counsel representing Union of India ministries submitted that they were examining the complaint seriously. The MCA suspected the authenticity of the provided No Objection Certificate (NOC) and sent a letter to DGCA. Subsequently, an inspection and investigation were initiated.

Senior Advocate PV Dinesh, representing petitioner RTI activist Tej Pratap Singh, argued that the Drone Federation of India (DFI) allegedly forged an NOC to bypass legal hurdles and rebrand the organisation. The fraudulent document was reportedly submitted to the MCA, misleading the public into believing the organisation had official government endorsement. The petition was filed by Advocate Piyo Harold Jaimon.

Unauthorized Drone Pilot Certifications

The plea further alleged that DFI, in collusion with Pioneer Flying Academy, issued drone pilot certifications without securing any approval or authorization from the DGCA or Ministry of Civil Aviation. These certifications were allegedly issued to individuals associated with M/s Quidich Innovation Labs to operate drones.

Since these certified pilots used these certifications for covering the Indian Premier League (IPL) held in Dubai, a senior officer from the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) had written to DGCA to verify the authenticity of these certifications.

DGCA’s Alleged Inaction

However, DGCA failed to initiate an inquiry and did not cooperate with DCAA. The entity allegedly escaped investigations and went on to organize the Bharat Drone Shakti Event at the Air Force Station, Hindan, Uttar Pradesh, where pilots without valid licenses flew drones in the Red Zone.

Allegations of Forgery & National Security Concerns

According to the petitioner, the body allegedly forged a letter from the regulatory authority, not only attempting to project patronage from the Government of India, but also evading accountability for its actions. The plea asserted that the allegations pose a serious threat to the regulatory safety and security of the drone industry, while also fostering corruption within government departments.

Demand for CBI Investigation

The plea sought a directive for a thorough investigation into the acts of the concerned respondents, preferably by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

The petitioner also stated that after filing complaints with relevant authorities against DFI and other respondent firms regarding forgery, misrepresentation, cheating, and criminal conspiracy, no significant action was taken. As a result, the petitioner staged a protest at Jantar Mantar. During the protest, the petitioner received assurances from DGCA and Ministry of Civil Aviation that prompt action would be taken against the illegal activities.

What is the Drone Federation of India?

The Drone Federation of India (DFI) is a private industry body that aims to promote innovation, policy advocacy, and business opportunities in India's drone ecosystem. It works with government agencies, businesses, and other stakeholders to support the development and regulation of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) in India.

Why Was the Drone Federation of India Established?

DFI was formed to:

Advocate industry-friendly policies for drone operations.
Create business opportunities for drone manufacturers and service providers.
Work with regulatory bodies like DGCA and MCA to ensure a structured drone policy framework.
Promote skill development and training programs in the drone sector.

Under Which Laws or Provisions Does DFI Operate?

DFI operates within the framework of India's aviation and business laws, including:

The Aircraft Act, 1934
The Aircraft Rules, 1937
The Drone Rules, 2021 (issued by DGCA)
Companies Act, 2013 (for its corporate governance)
Ministry of Civil Aviation Guidelines

Provisions to Hold DFI Accountable

Regulatory authorities like DGCA, MCA, and CBI can hold DFI accountable under:

BNS Section 336 (Forgery) – If any document is fraudulently altered.
BNS Section 318 (4) (Cheating & Dishonesty) – If misleading certifications are issued.
BNS Section 316 (Criminal Breach of Trust) – If funds or approvals are misused.
The Companies Act, 2013 – For corporate governance violations.
The Drone Rules, 2021 – For unauthorized drone operations.

How Are Members & Employees Employed in DFI?

DFI is structured like a private industry association, meaning:

Membership is voluntary and open to companies and individuals in the drone industry.
Employees are hired based on industry needs, including policy experts, engineers, and aviation consultants.
The governing body includes industry professionals, legal advisors, and aviation experts.

Conclusion

The Delhi High Court’s notice to the Centre and regulatory bodies on alleged forgery by Drone Federation of India raises serious questions about the integrity of drone industry regulations. The outcome of this case will be crucial in determining how private aviation organizations operate within India's legal framework. 🚀📜

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