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The petition sought directions against the Ministry of Railways and Indian Railways to implement stricter crowd management policies, enforce ticketing regulations, and establish clear emergency response protocols. Additionally, it sought compensation for the victims and their families, emphasizing that the tragedy was preventable had the authorities exercised due diligence.
In the aftermath of the catastrophic stampede at New Delhi Railway Station on February 15, 2025, Arth Vidhi, a public-spirited organization, approached the Delhi High Court seeking justice for the victims and accountability from the railway authorities.
During the hearing, the bench of Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela questioned the Railways over failure to implement measures to prevent such incidents. The court further directed the Railways to file a short affidavit and renotified the matter for March 26, 2025.
The petition, filed through Advocates Aditya Trivedi and Subhi Pastor, highlighted the gross negligence and administrative lapses that led to the tragic loss of at least 18 lives and injuries to numerous passengers.
Relying on reports from The Economic Times, The Hindustan Times, and The Indian Express, the petitioner submitted that the incident resulted from miscommunication regarding train arrivals, inadequate crowd control, and the station's failure to provide basic safety measures.
The confusion arose when the Prayagraj Special was announced to arrive at Platform 16, even though the Prayagraj Express was already stationed at Platform 14. The announcement triggered panic among passengers, many of whom rushed to the foot over-bridge, only to find themselves trapped due to blocked staircases and a non-functional escalator.
The petitioner argued that the authorities had failed in their statutory and constitutional obligations. Reports revealed that, despite knowing the station's peak-hour congestion, the railway administration did not impose a cap on the issuance of unreserved tickets. On the day of the tragedy, over 9,600 general-class tickets were sold within two hours, exceeding the station’s safe capacity. The petitioner contended that this unregulated practice directly contributed to the overcrowding and chaos.
The plea stated that the failure of the railway authorities to enforce effective safety measures, provide clear signage, and regulate crowd movement amounted to a violation of fundamental rights.
For Petitioners: Advocates Aditya Trivedi and Subhi PastorFor Respondents: Solicitor General Tushar MehtaCase Title: Arth Vidhi V Union
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