Kerala High Court directs Indian Railways to periodically review steps taken to improve safety of rail passengers

The Kerala High Court recently directed the Indian Railways to periodically review the steps taken by them to improve the safety of rail passengers [Suo Motu Vs. Union of India and Ors.]..A division bench of 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, especially woman passengers, in Railway trains..In April 2021, single-judge Justice Bechu Kurian Thomas had expressed concerns regarding the safety of railway passengers after taking note of a news report which said that a 31-year-old female railway passenger in Ernakulam had jumped off a moving train after she was attacked. She had sustained head injuries.Thereafter, the Chief Justice had issued an order to initiate the present suo motu case..In June 2021, while considering the same case, another division bench 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 appointed Advocate R Leela as amicus curiae to assist the Court in the matter..Subsequently, the amicus curiae and and State Police Chief submitted suggestions before the court to ensure the safety of passengers, some of which are summarised 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..Apart from these suggestions, the Court also recorded in its judgment, the measures already taken by the Railway authorities as submitted in a statement by the authorities. It then directed the Railway authorities to review the steps taken by them as well as consider the suggestions made and take appropriate decisions in the matter. The Court posted the case after the upcoming court vacation to ensure compliance with its directions..[Read Judgment]