Delhi High Court Directs Ministry of Railways to Regularize Commission Vendors in Four Weeks

On Tuesday September 8 2026 the Delhi High Court issued a major directive ordering the Ministry of Railways to comply with a Central Administrative Tribunal mandate regarding the regularisation of commission vendors and bearers within four weeks. This crucial development brings hope to numerous workers who have spent decades fighting for their rightful employment status and benefits in the national railway network.

The Delhi High Court dismissed two writ petitions filed by the Union of India which had previously challenged a November 2016 Central Administrative Tribunal order. A Division Bench comprising Justice C. Hari Shankar and Justice Om Prakash Shukla delivered the ruling upholding the original tribunal order that mandates the regularisation of these dedicated service workers along with the disbursement of proper minimum pay scales and allowances.

Strict Penalties and Contempt Warnings Issued

In addition to regularisation orders the court mandated that the Ministry of Railways pay a cost of Rs 1 lakh. The bench issued a stern warning stating that any failure to adhere to these directions within the stipulated four-week timeframe will result in the immediate revival and conclusion of contempt proceedings previously held in abeyance by the tribunal.

The High Court expressed deep regret over the decades-long legal battle endured by these low-paid Group-D employees despite earlier directives from the Supreme Court. This prolonged legal dispute traces its origins back to a December 1976 Railway Board circular which originally established a framework for the progressive absorption of commission-based vendors and bearers working for the North Eastern Railway into regular service vacancies.