Background
The Delhi High Court has dismissed a petition seeking a refund for train tickets in the wake of a stampede at New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS). The plea was filed by passengers who argued that they were unable to board their trains due to the chaotic situation at the station. The stampede, reportedly caused by overcrowding and mismanagement, left several injured and raised concerns about passenger safety. The petitioners contended that since they could not undertake their journey due to circumstances beyond their control, they were entitled to a refund.
Court’s Rationale
The High Court ruled against granting refunds, stating that allowing such claims could “open the floodgates” for similar petitions in the future, creating an unsustainable precedent. The bench emphasized that train ticket refunds are governed by railway regulations, which provide specific circumstances under which cancellations and refunds are permitted. The court noted that the stampede, while unfortunate, did not automatically entitle all passengers to a refund outside the established rules.
Existing Measures
Indian Railways has a well-defined refund policy, which includes provisions for ticket cancellation due to train delays, cancellations, or other operational reasons. However, force majeure events such as crowd incidents or public disturbances are not covered under standard refund rules. The court also pointed out that Railways already have grievance redressal mechanisms in place for passengers facing exceptional situations.
Conclusion
The Delhi High Court’s decision underscores the importance of adhering to existing railway policies while addressing public grievances. While the ruling may be disappointing for affected passengers, it reinforces the need for structured mechanisms rather than ad hoc judicial interventions. The court’s stance aims to prevent a flood of refund claims that could potentially disrupt railway operations and financial stability.