AirAsia case: Lobbying continues to exist in a grey zone, say legal experts

The AirAsia incident opens up the debate on whether to regulate lobbying

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has alleged that AirAsia tried to influence India’s international flying regulations through lobbyists. Currently, there are no rules regulating or guiding lobbying in India. Neither is it explicitly forbidden. So, it continues to exist in a grey zone, say legal experts.

“Lobbying’’ is a common allegation in many FIRs and charge sheets filed by the CBI and other law enforcement agencies, though policymakers do not call this activity “illegal’’. Several recent cases have centred on lobbying by corporates, implying that government policies have been influenced or attempts have been made to change policies.