The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) recently ordered Indian Railways to pay Rs 4.7 lakh as compensation to a passenger named Dilip Kumar Chaturvedi, whose bag was stolen while travelling on the Amarkantak Express in May 2017. Chaturvedi was travelling with his family from Katni to Durg, when the theft occurred around 2:30 am. Despite taking necessary precautions, “outsiders” were able to enter the reserved coach due to the negligence of the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE), leading to the theft of cash and valuables worth Rs 9.3 lakh from his bag. Chaturvedi promptly filed an FIR with the railway police after the incident. The NCDRC ruled that the Railways was liable for the breach of security and ordered the compensation of Rs 4.7 lakh, holding the authorities responsible for the negligence that led to the theft. This decision emphasises the Railways’ accountability in ensuring passenger safety and securing their belongings during travel.
In its defence, the Railways argued that under Section 100 of the Railway Act, it is not liable for any loss of luggage unless it has been officially booked and a receipt issued by railway staff. However, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) dismissed this argument. The NCDRC ruled that the Railways have a duty to ensure the safety and security of passengers in reserved coaches. The commission emphasised that, in this case, a deficiency in service was evident due to the negligence of railway officials, particularly the Train Ticket Examiner (TTE), who allowed unauthorised persons to enter the reserved coach, ultimately leading to the theft.
Chaturvedi had earlier filed a complaint in the Durg District Consumer Commission in this matter, which ordered the railway officials to pay compensation. The railways challenged this order in the Chhattisgarh State Consumer Commission, which rejected the order of the district commission. After this, Chaturvedi filed a review petition in the NCDRC, where the verdict was finally given in his favour.
