The Bhojpur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued a landmark directive against Indian Railways for failing to provide seats to passengers holding confirmed tickets. Four travelers, including Ravi Shanker Pandey, were forced to stand during their entire journey on the LTT-Patna Express despite having valid bookings. The commission held the North Central Railway and the Ministry of Railways accountable for a clear deficiency in service and mental harassment.
ℹ️: Indian Railways: Carrying alcohol in trains to dry states can lead to legal action, check rules।
What happened during the journey on LTT-Patna Express?
The incident occurred on October 2, 2022, when four passengers boarded the train from Vindhyachal for their journey to Ara. Although they held confirmed berths 58, 62, 63, and 68 in the B4 coach, they found their seats occupied by individuals claiming to be railway employees. Despite seeking help from the onboard TTE, the Railway Protection Force, and calling the 139 helpline, no action was taken to vacate the seats.
Reports indicate that a TTE at Buxar station simply advised the passengers to manage the situation due to overcrowding. The passengers also tried reaching out via social media platforms like @RailwaySeva and @RailMinIndia, but no effective assistance was provided during the trip. This forced the group to travel while standing, leading to significant physical and mental distress throughout the journey.
Breakdown of the compensation ordered by the Commission
The bench, comprising President Krishna Pratap Singh and Member Kamal Kishore Singh, rejected the Railways’ defense that the issue was a law and order matter for the GRP. The court clarified that it is the absolute responsibility of the railway administration to ensure a passenger with a confirmed ticket gets their assigned seat. The total financial penalty imposed on the railways exceeds ₹35,000.
| Type of Payment | Amount Details |
|---|---|
| Ticket Refund | ₹1,876.80 with 8% annual interest |
| Harassment Compensation | ₹20,000 |
| Litigation Costs | ₹15,000 |
| Payment Deadline | 60 days from the order date |
If the Indian Railways fails to make the payment within the stipulated 60-day period, the interest rate on the total amount will increase to 10% per annum. The commission noted that the passengers suffered mental, physical, and economic harassment due to the failure of the railway staff to perform their duties and provide the promised service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the total compensation amount the railways must pay?
The Bhojpur Consumer Court ordered the railways to pay a total exceeding ₹35,000, including ₹20,000 for harassment, ₹15,000 for legal costs, and a full ticket refund with interest.
Why did the court penalize the Indian Railways in this case?
The penalty was imposed because the railways failed to provide seats to four passengers who held confirmed tickets on the LTT-Patna Express, which the court termed a deficiency in service.