The Delhi High Court on Thursday reserved its decision on petitions filed by SpiceJet and its promoter Ajay Singh, seeking a review of an earlier directive to deposit ₹144 crore in connection with a legal dispute involving media proprietor Kalanithi Maran and Kal Airways. The order came after senior counsel for both parties presented their arguments before Justice Subramonium Prasad.

The initial court order, issued on January 19, required SpiceJet and Ajay Singh to deposit ₹144 crore with the court registry within six weeks, against an acknowledged liability of ₹194 crore. This deadline was subsequently extended by four weeks on March 18. The latest petitions requested reconsideration of that extension and the requirement to make the payment, citing several reasons including financial difficulties faced amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.

SpiceJet proposed providing a commercial property located in Gurugram as an alternative form of security, rather than a cash payment. During Thursday’s proceedings, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing SpiceJet and Singh, argued that the law does not restrict security deposits strictly to cash. Rohatgi emphasized that security could also be furnished through property, bonds, or personal undertakings. He further contended that shutting down the airline would not serve the public interest.

The airline also referenced the central government’s willingness to offer some form of assistance, although details of such support were not disclosed during the hearing. The court’s reserved order remains pending, with parties awaiting further direction on the payment and security arrangements as the dispute continues to unfold.