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Synopsis

A division bench of the Bombay High Court comprising Acting Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Arif Doctor on Wednesday sought a response from the Railway Board on the suggestions made by the Central Railway and Western Railway of converting a luggage compartment in Mumbai Local for senior citizens.

The high court was informed about the suggestion made by the Central and Western Railway during the hearing of the Public Interest Litigation filed by K P Purushothaman Nair, a lawyer and a retired senior private secretary of a judge. The plea sought a special coach for senior citizens similar to that of a special coach for disabled persons.

The division bench was also informed that after a survey was conducted by the Central and Western Railway, it was found that out of 4-5 luggage compartments in 12 and 15 train coaches, 80% of the people were unauthorized travellers.

Therefore, the high court then sought the response of the Railway Board on the said suggestions.

“With this background, these suggestions and feasibility are under consideration. Response of railway board to be placed on record. Matter to be placed on August 23,” the court noted.

The plea stated that approximately 50,000 senior citizens travel daily on the local trains, and it is difficult to even for the younger persons to enter the trains during peak hours.

Additionally, the plea claimed that Nair had made representations before the Chief Justice of Bombay High Court 2019 for a small compartment for senior citizens. However, the public grievance cell of the High Court forwarded the same to the Railways Department. The Railway Department in January 2020 wrote to Nair stating that it is not justified to further earmark a separate bogie only for senior citizens. Aggrieved by the letter, Nair moved before the Bombay High Court.

Nair, in his petition, stated that he has been regularly travelling from Bandra to Churchgate for 35 years and prefers to travel in the compartment where seats are reserved for senior citizens. The plea reads

“The senior citizens travelling along with the Petitioner have always raised grievances about the way in which seats have been earmarked for senior citizens in the crowded second-class compartment as these senior citizens find it difficult and/or are unable to board the train due to heavy rush. The same situation is faced by senior citizens at the time of alighting from the traint as well”  the plea reads.

Case title: K.P Puroshathaman vs UOI & Ors.