Passengers responsible for their luggage in train travel: SC | Fusion - WeRIndia

As a crucial mode of transportation, Indian Railways caters to millions of passengers daily, including students, professionals, and travellers from all walks of life.

If you’ve travelled by train before or plan to do so in the future, it’s essential to stay informed about a recent decision by the Supreme Court that affects passengers’ responsibilities and the liability of the Railways.

Recently, the Supreme Court upheld a well-known announcement frequently heard during train journeys, saying that passengers should protect their luggage themselves.

The Supreme Court clarified that if any personal belongings are lost or stolen during the journey, the Railways cannot be held responsible for any deficiency in their services.

A petition was filed in the apex court, challenging a decision by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC).

The petitioner, a businessman, sought compensation from the Railways for the loss of ₹1 lakh stolen from his waist belt during a train journey. The NCDRC had ruled in favour of the businessman, ordering the Railways to reimburse the claimed amount.

However, the vacation bench overturned the NCDRC’s decision. The bench stressed that the theft of a passenger’s luggage during a train journey cannot be deemed a deficiency in the Railways’ services.

It clarified that the Railways cannot be held accountable if a passenger fails to take necessary measures to safeguard their belongings.

The ruling of the Supreme Court reinforces the principle that passengers have a personal responsibility to ensure the protection of their own luggage.

Therefore, train passengers must remain vigilant and take necessary precautions to safeguard their belongings throughout the journey.

This decision by the Supreme Court serves as a reminder that the Railways cannot be held liable for incidents of theft or loss that occur due to negligence on the part of the passengers.

The Court’s ruling establishes that the Railways cannot be held accountable for any loss or theft of belongings during the journey. Passengers must be mindful and cautious in safeguarding their possessions while travelling by train.

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