UK and Aus I can understand,
But I seem to recollect that the indian routes are in fact limited to the number of pax onboard (and not just on frequency). I remember a while back, a request for the jumpseat was put through but then shot down at the last minute because the total number of pax onboard had exceeded the maximum allowable according to the indian traffic rights. ie all cabin seats where taken, and the poor staff traveller who had tried so hard to get home on emergency leave, had to wait for the next available flight.
This would not of been a problem if the staff pax was on the gendec, but since he had a revenue ticket, he was included in the total pax count.
This may of changed......
SN