"IndiGo has informed DGCA of grounding of the four pilots and setting up of an internal enquiry. We will seek their investigation report first before mulling an action against them," DGCA sources said.However, IndiGo, while confirming that it has put these pilots off duty, said they were travelling as regular passenger on one of its international flights. As per rules, the flying licence of a crew member found drunk on duty gets suspended for three months. Their licence could be suspended for two years for a second offence and five years if they are caught for a third time.Action, other than suspension, can also be taken for the violation of the rule. "As per the internal investigation and records, these pilots were on leave and were off duty hours, when this picture was clicked by them as regular travelers on an international flight," the spokesperson said.Citing a particular DGCA ruling, IndiGo said the rule permits photography inside the aircraft, adding, "the said pilots were not in uniform in the picture and it was an international flight where consumption of alcohol is not prohibited."

Source: Times of India September 08, 2016 15:05 UTC