New Delhi, April 29 (IANS) Delhi High Court Friday refused to stay Air India's decision to derecognise the Indian Commercial Pilots Association (ICPA) whose members have been on strike for three days, grounding many flights.

Ruling on a petition by ICPA seeking a stay order on Air India's decision, Justice S. Murlidharan said derecognition would not come in the way of the pilot union's negotiation and talks with the management.

"Derecognition of the pilots' body will not come in the way of any dialogue," said Justice Murlidharan.

The court also refused to provide for de-sealing of the association's offices in Delhi and Mumbai.

On Wednesday, Air India had derecognised ICPA, following a flash strike by the union, which has caused cancellation and rescheduling of around 210 flights since the strike started. Air India has also sacked eight pilots belonging to the union, including the top brass of ICPA.

The judge asked the Air India management to reply on the issue within four weeks. The matter would be taken up by the court July 16.

Members of ICPA, once on the rolls of the erstwhile Indian Airlines, had struck work since midnight Tuesday, demanding parity in pay with their counterparts in Air India and other issues related to work conditions.