The High Court yesterday asked the authorities concerned to explain in four weeks why they should not be directed to frame rules to fix prices of airline tickets, cancellation fees and other charges including fees for additional luggage on domestic flights.

In the rule, the court also asked the authorities to show cause as to why their failure to formulate guidelines should not be declared illegal.

Secretary to the civil aviation and tourism ministry; chief of the civil aviation authority, and chief executive officers of private airline companies -- US Bangla; Novoair; Regent Airways; GMG Airlines, and managing director of state-owned Biman Bangladesh Airlines have been made respondents to the rule.

The bench of Justice Naima Haider and Justice Zafar Ahmed issued the rule after hearing a writ petition filed by Barrister Bodruddoza Badal on Sunday.     

The aviation companies are arbitrarily charging prices for plane fare, airline tickets and different fees on domestic flights as there is no specific rules to this effect, Barrister Badruddoza told The Daily Star citing from the writ petition.

Deputy Attorney General Mokhlesur Rahman represented the government.