New Delhi: The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant judgment stating that railway passengers cannot be treated differently in matters of travel insurance based on whether they purchase tickets online or at station counters.
The court said the existing system, which offers insurance coverage primarily to passengers booking tickets online, leaves out a large section of people who buy tickets from railway counters.
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Bench Rejects Centre’s Argument
The ruling was delivered by a bench comprising Justices Hasanuddin Amanullah and Mahadevan while hearing a petition challenging the disparity.
During the hearing, Additional Solicitor General Vikramjit Banerjee, representing the central government, argued that identifying passengers who purchase tickets at counters is more difficult. He said the current system was designed partly to prevent fraudulent insurance claims and that the government was examining possible solutions.
However, the bench was not convinced by the explanation and emphasised that technical difficulties cannot justify unequal treatment of passengers.
Court Stresses Equal Rights for All Passengers
The judges clearly stated that passengers cannot be discriminated against based on the method used to purchase a ticket. According to the bench, once a passenger boards a train, the responsibility for their safety and related benefits rests with the railways.
The court observed that in modern times, fundamental rights and basic protections cannot be denied on the grounds of administrative or technical constraints.
Direction to Railway Ministry
The court directed the Ministry of Railways to take immediate steps to ensure that travel insurance facilities are also extended to passengers who buy tickets at counters.
The order is expected to benefit millions of people across the country who continue to rely on railway reservation counters for booking tickets.
Legal experts say the ruling could strengthen passenger protection and ensure equal compensation coverage for all travellers in case of railway accidents.