The Kerala High Court recently ordered the Indian Railways to review its efforts to improve rail passenger safety on a regular basis.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Murali Purushothaman issued the direction on a suo motu case (case initiated by the Court itself) to ensure the safety of passengers, particularly female passengers, on railway trains.
In April 2021, a single bench of Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had expressed concerns about railway passenger safety after learning of a news report claiming that a 31-year-old female railway passenger in Ernakulam had jumped off a moving train after being attacked. She had sustained head injuries.
Thereafter, the Chief Justice had issued an order to initiate the present suo motu case.
Another division bench in June 2021, while considering the same case sought responses from the Central government, Indian Railways, and Southern Railway authorities regarding the measures proposed measures like the installation of video surveillance in twenty-eight railway stations identified in Kerala.
It also named Advocate R Leela as an amicus curiae to assist the Court in the case.
Following that, the amicus curiae and the State Police Chief made recommendations to the court to ensure the safety of passengers, some of which are summarized below:
- Railway Department and State Police Chief should ensure at least one RPF/GRP is engaged in trains and stations to conduct check-ups regularly;
- Engage at least one-woman RPF in the ladies’ compartment during day and night hours;
- Place the woman’s compartment in the center of the train with a red alarm button for calling attention in an emergency situation;
- Attach CCTV camera to the surveillance system or alarm button in the compartment;
- Provide sufficient light throughout the platform for the safe passage of passengers;
- Photographs of habitual offenders should be put in all visible areas to caution the general public;
- Railways should take steps to prevent hawkers, beggars, and ticketless passengers;
- Create awareness among the general public about toll-free number 182, Railway helpline numbers 139, and 112, and apps like India Mobile App etc.
Aside from these suggestions, the bench noted in its decision the measures already taken by the Railway authorities, as stated in a statement submitted by the authorities.
The bench further directed railway authorities to review their actions, consider the suggestions made, and make appropriate decisions in the matter.
To ensure compliance with its directions, the bench scheduled the case to be heard after the upcoming court vacation.
