Railways Cannot Be Held Liable If One’s Belongings Is Stolen While Traveling In A Train: Supreme Court

The Department of Railways preferred an appeal in Supreme Court against the order of District Consumer Forum and the impugned order was upheld by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

The District Consumer Forum had awarded ₹1 lakh to the Respondent a compensation cost as the same amount of the Respondent was stolen while traveling in a train.

The Hon’ble Court pointed out that how could it be reasonable to held liable to Railways for the reimbursement. If one has lost their belongings while having journey in a train.  The same could not be considered as a deficiency in services provided by the department.

Further the division bench of Hon’ble Justice Vikram Nath and Hon’ble Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah while allowing the appeal held,

“We fail to understand as to how the theft could be said to be in any way a deficiency in service by the Railways. If the passenger is not able to protect his own Belongings, the Railways cannot be held responsible.”

• TITLE-STATION SUPERINTENDENT & ANR. VERSUS SURENDER BHOLA
• CIVIL APPEAL NO. 7116/2017
• ORDER DATE- 15 June 2023