Air India has denied allegations from UK-based Stewarts Law that it forced families of the AI 171 crash victims to disclose financial dependency to get compensation. Over 40 families represented by the UK-based Stewarts Law have accused the airline of coercion and intimidation as they pursue claims related to the Ahmedabad crash in which over 250 people were killed.

"Air India categorically rejects these allegations and refutes them as both unsubstantiated and inaccurate," Air India said in a statement on June 4, adding that "it has come to our notice that allegations have been made against Air India, claiming that families of the deceased in the AI171 accident are being forced to sign papers disclosing their financial dependency to the deceased, in an attempt to slash compensation payments".

The airline clarified that a questionnaire circulated among certain passengers was intended solely to verify familial relationships, ensuring the rightful distribution of interim payments.

"In order to facilitate payments, Air India has sought basic information to establish family relationships to ensure that the advance payments are received by those entitled to them. Family members have been issued with a questionnaire to allow Air India to gather the information required to process compensation payments. This can be submitted in person at our Facilitation Centre at the Taj Skyline hotel in Ahmedabad, or by e-mail, and families have been given time and flexibility to complete these. Air India has certainly not made any unsolicited visits to families’ homes," Air India said.