Train ‘delayed’ by nearly 9 hours, Jharkhand man wins Rs 35,000 payout from railways

2 tickets to Sambalpur

According to the case records, the complainant had booked two sleeper class tickets on the Ispat Express to travel from Tatanagar to Sambalpur in September 2024. The train was scheduled to depart Tatanagar at 10.18 am and reach Sambalpur at 3.50 pm. However, the train allegedly departed late and arrived in Sambalpur with a total delay of 528 minutes (8 hours and 48 minutes).

Citing physical, mental, and financial harassment, the complainant served a legal notice to railway officials before filing a consumer complaint seeking Rs 4,50,000 in damages.

Railways contested the complaint, arguing that the man failed to furnish any substantial evidence demonstrating material loss or damage due to the alleged delay. It was further stated that the complaint fell under the jurisdiction of the Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987, rather than the consumer forum.

The commission rejected the jurisdictional argument of the railways and relied on the Supreme Court’s ruling, which held that it has jurisdiction to try such a case. It further noted that the railways failed to establish that the train delay was beyond its control.

It held that the complainant proved his case with clear and convincing evidence, and directed the railways to pay him a compensation of Rs 30,000 for harassment and Rs 5,000 as litigation cost.

“OPs directed to pay above amount to the complainant within 45 days from the date of passing of this order failing which the same will be realized through due process of law with an interest of 12 pecent per annum from date of passing of order till date of realization,” the order read.

Takeaway

The case highlights that prolonged train delays causing physical, mental, or financial harassment can amount to deficiency in service, making passengers entitled to compensation.

For consumer-related grievances, individuals can contact the consumer helpline in their respective states and Union territories (Jharkhand: 1800-3456-598) or call the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 for assistance.

Don’t miss out on these stories:

Bought 4 kg onions but ‘scale showed just 3.5 kg’, Punjab man wins Rs 20,000 payout

PT teacher loses finger playing basketball at mall, granted Rs 8.2 lakh compensation

Food bought to break Ramzan fast leaves family ill, hypermarket to pay Rs 60,000