The Apex Court, while upholding the order passed by National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, held that in case Railways fails to furnish evidence for the late arrival of trains, or could not provide the reason behind delay, it would be liable to pay compensation.
The court, however, excluded the instances which occur beyond the control of Railways and the ones which have been backed by explainable reasons.
In the instant case, the supreme court was hearing a Special Leave Petition preferred by the Northern Western Railways against the order of NCDRC which upheld the order passed by DCDRC.
The complainant stated that due to the delay in arrival of Ajmer Jammu Express, he missed his connecting flight from Jammu to Srinagar. Consequently, he had to bear expenses of taxi fare and suffered loss of air fare as well as his bookings in Srinagar.
The complainant approached DCRDC and sought for compensation from Norther Western Railways. The DCDRC passed the order in favor of complainant and directed the defendant/petitioner to pay Rs. 15,000/- for taxi expenses, Rs. 10,000/- towards booking expenses, and Rs. 5,000/- each towards mental agony caused and litigation expenses incurred.
The same had been confirmed by State Commission and thereafter by NCDRC.
The counsel on behalf of petitioner/defendant argued that delay in train schedule could not be said to be deficiency in service on part of Railways.
The apex court noted that the Railways failed to furnish any evidence in order to explain the delay/late arrival. It also observed that every passenger’s time is precious and there lies probability that they might’ve made prior bookings for further journey.
The bench remarked that competition and accountability are the key factors of today’s dynamic world. The public transportation, in order to survive in this competitive world, would’ve to improvise their system and working culture, and take the responsibility of the unjustifiable delays.
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