Are You Waiting For Another Mishap? Delhi High Court Pulls Railways For Failing To Respond To PIL Over Last Year's NDLS Stampede

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday expressed displeasure with the railway authorities for failing to respond to a PIL filed over the stampede that occurred at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15 last year.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay and Justice Tejas Karia questioned the railways' counsel as to why the affidavit was not filed even after almost a year.

The Court had directed the railways to file response giving details of the decisions which might be taken by the railway board by March 26, 2025. However, the Court noted that till today, no affidavit was filed.

The railways' counsel said that various decisions and steps have been taken after the incident in question, including on the aspect of overcrowding and reducing the price of reserved and unreserved tickets.

He said that an affidavit detailing the steps will be filed within four weeks.

During the hearing, the Court questioned a senior IRTS officer from the railway board who said that a latest updated affidavit will be filed in the matter.

“Don't take the Court for granted…This incident which is subject matter of this PIL could not open your eyes? You want something more serious to happen?,” the Court remarked.

“Why so lax? You were required to file the affidavit. We are in January next year and your affidavit is still not ready? Are we awaiting another incident to happen?,” the CJ told the counsel.

He added: “Please treat this matter a bit seriously. Don't take the court for granted. Why did you not file the affidavit? You wanted to sail through the pressure of the moment? A statement was made by highest law officer of the country (SGI Tushar Mehta) on behalf of railway board -!; still affidavit not filed? It has been a year. Are you taking the courts for granted? We don't appreciate this.”

The Court then proceeded to grant further time to the railways to file reply in the matter.

The PIL alleges ineffective implementation of the provisions contained under the Railways Act, especially Sections 57 and 147.

Section 57 states that every railway administration shall fix the maximum number of passengers which may be carried in each compartment and shall exhibit the number in a conspicuous manner inside or outside each compartment in Hindi, English and in one or more regional languages commonly used in the areas concerned.

Section 147 is a penal provision stating that any person who enters into any part of a railway without lawful authority shall be punishable with imprisonment for upto six months or a fine or both.

The plea has been filed by an organization- Arth Vidhi, through Advocate Aditya Trivedi.

Case Title: Arth Vidhi v. Union of India & Ors