Indian Railway is committed to ensuring fair ticket access for genuine travelers and urges the public to report irregularities to protect the railway system’s integrity
The recent judgment by the Supreme Court is a landmark decision in protecting the rights of genuine railway passengers:DG RPF
The Ministry of Railways had filed Special Leave Petitions in the Supreme Court challenging the Kerala and Madras High Court judgments, describing unauthorised bulk railway ticket bookings as a social crime
The judgment expanded the Railways Act to include the unauthorized procurement and supply of online e-tickets Illegal, regardless of the method used
This judgment is delivered by Supreme Court of India on connected matters of Special Leave Petitions filed by Ministry of Railways challenging the judgements of High Courts of Kerala and Madras. The judgment ensures that railway tickets, particularly for high-demand services such as Tatkal and reserved accommodations, are not hoarded and then sold at a premium by fraudulent unauthorized operators, making the criminal act punishable under Section 143 of Railways Act 1989.
The judgment has also extended the ambit of the Railways Act to explicitly include the procurement and supply of e-tickets booked online. Genuine passengers will benefit as the system becomes better safeguarded against misuse.
The effects of this judgment are far-reaching, as it sets a precedent to curb illegal activities in ticket procurement and restore confidence in the railway ticketing system. It ensures that authorized agents and individuals operate within the framework of established rules, promoting fairness and accessibility for all.
Additionally, it sends a strong message to potential violators that misuse of the system will not be tolerated, thereby fostering a more equitable travel experience for millions of railway passengers across the nation.
