Railway Ordered To Pay INR 4.7 Lakh To Man Whose Bag Was Stolen From Train In 2017

Mumbai: In a landmark decision, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) has ordered Indian Railways to pay Rs 4.7 lakh as compensation to a passenger, Dilip Kumar Chaturvedi, after his bag containing cash and valuables worth Rs 9.3 lakh was stolen on the Amarkantak Express in May 2017. Chaturvedi, who was travelling with his family from Katni to Durg, became a victim of theft after unauthorized individuals entered the reserved coach due to the negligence of railway staff, particularly the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE).
Theft Incident and Legal Proceedings
The incident occurred around 2:30 am when Chaturvedi and his family were onboard the Amarkantak Express. Despite taking all necessary precautions, their belongings were stolen after outsiders entered the reserved coach, taking advantage of the lapse in security. Chaturvedi promptly filed a First Information Report (FIR) with the railway police, seeking justice for the breach of security.
Chaturvedi initially filed a complaint with the Durg District Consumer Commission, which ruled in his favour and ordered the railways to compensate him. However, Indian Railways challenged this decision in the Chhattisgarh State Consumer Commission, which dismissed the district commission’s order. Undeterred, Chaturvedi took the matter to the NCDRC, which finally ruled in his favour, holding the Railways accountable for the theft.
NCDRC’s Ruling on Railways’ Negligence
The NCDRC, in its ruling, emphasized that Indian Railways is responsible for ensuring the safety and security of passengers and their belongings, particularly in reserved coaches. The commission highlighted that the negligence of the TTE, who allowed unauthorized persons to board the reserved coach, directly contributed to the theft.
Indian Railways had argued in its defence, citing Section 100 of the Railway Act, which states that the railways are not liable for any loss of luggage unless it has been officially booked and a receipt issued by the railway staff. However, the NCDRC rejected this argument, stating that the core issue was the breach of passenger security and the failure to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering the coach.
The commission ruled that a deficiency in service was evident and that Indian Railways had failed in its duty to protect passengers, particularly in reserved compartments. As a result, the NCDRC ordered Indian Railways to pay Chaturvedi Rs 4.7 lakh as compensation for the loss.
Impact of the Verdict
This ruling underscores the accountability of Indian Railways in safeguarding passengers and their belongings during travel. The decision sets a significant precedent for future cases related to theft or security lapses on trains. It emphasizes the responsibility of railway officials, particularly TTEs, in maintaining strict security measures to prevent unauthorized access to reserved coaches.
The NCDRC’s decision is a reminder that public service providers, like Indian Railways, have a legal obligation to ensure a safe and secure travel experience for all passengers.
The NCDRC’s ruling in favor of Dilip Kumar Chaturvedi holds Indian Railways responsible for the negligence that led to the theft of valuables on the Amarkantak Express. With the Rs 4.7 lakh compensation order, the verdict reinforces the importance of passenger security and the railways’ duty to uphold it. This case serves as a crucial reminder for public transport authorities to prioritize passenger safety and take responsibility for lapses in security.
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