that written instructions regarding the protocol to be followed by passengers in flight including the measures that could be taken against them on failure to follow it are provided to the passengers along with the boarding passthe inflight announcements which presently merely require the passengers to wear masks at all times should be modified to include a cautionary word regarding the penal action that could be taken against them in the event of default it saidin order to ensure compliance dgca may consider sending random observers on flights without prior information who would check to ensure that the covid19 protocols are followed in flightstrict enforcement of all penal provisions which could visit delinquent passengers who refuse to abide by the covid protocols to be maintained in flight should be ensured there should be no relaxation whatsoever in that regard the order saidthe court noted that dgca guidelines permit relaxation from wearing masks in exceptional cases and said it should be allowed only after evaluating the necessity of travellingit asked the authorities to give adequate publicity to these guidelines and penal action be initiated against the airlines which repeatedly fail to ensure compliancethe court said it does not intend to criticise the efforts made by the governmental authorities in trying to deal with the covid19 pandemic which has left everyone befuddled regarding the best possible manner to deal with the crisisthe court said it is the duty of everyone to contribute towards this end and pointing fingers at the central and state governments which have formidable tasks to deal with and are doing all they can is of no useeach of us as members of a conscious and conscientious citizenry is required to be sensitive and sensitised in equal measure and to strain every sinew to keep the pandemic at bay if the citizenry becomes complacent no government howsoever activated and alive to the situation can help it saidthe court said the matter be registered as a suo motu public interest litigation pil and listed before an appropriate bench dealing with pils on march 17it asked the dgca and air india to file their reports before the bench regarding compliance with the guidelines