'Why sell excess tickets?': Delhi HC raps Railways after stampede
What's the story
The Delhi High Court has sought responses from the Union government, Indian Railways and Railway Board on a PIL seeking safety measures in the wake of a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station.
The incident, which took place on February 15, left at least 18 dead.
During the hearing, the court asked why Indian Railways sells more tickets than the capacity of train coaches, citing Section 57 of Railways Act fixing passenger limits per compartment.
Court
What court told Railways
"If you fix the number of passengers to be accommodated in a coach then why do you sell, why the number of tickets sold exceed that number ? That is a problem," the court said.
"On rush days you may increase that number to accommodate the rush depending on exigencies which keep on arriving from time to time. But not fixing the strength to be accommodated in a coach, this provision appears to have been neglected," it remarked.
Legal scrutiny
PIL highlights alleged mismanagement, negligence by Railways
The PIL was filed by Arth Vidhi, an organization of lawyers, entrepreneurs and other professionals. It alleges mismanagement and negligence on part of the Railways in connection with the stampede incident.
Advocate Aditya Trivedi argued proper implementation of legal provisions could prevent such incidents.
To this, the court noted measures taken after the incident but stressed the challenge of managing large crowds.
Legal directive
Court instructs authorities to detail steps for rule implementation
The court further directed authorities to file an affidavit explaining steps for rule implementation.
"Having regard to the object of these provisions, we are of the opinion that these have been enacted by parliament," it said.
"The petition highlights the significance of adequate implementation of these provisions. Let issues be examined at the highest level in Railway Board as suggested by SG [Tushar Mehta]. Thereafter, a short affidavit may be filed by respondents, giving details of Railway Board's decision."
Assurance given
Solicitor General assures court of addressing issues raised
Appearing for Indian Railways, Solicitor General Mehta assured the court they are bound by law and would address the issues raised.
He spoke about the existing guidelines for unreserved ticket issuance but said it becomes difficult during rush hours.
Mehta also confirmed compensation has been given to victims of the stampede, but admitted it wasn't enough.
The matter will be next heard on March 26.