Consumer Commission orders Railways to pay Rupees twenty thousand compensation to passengers

Case of four passengers forced to travel standing despite having reserved tickets!
Railway employees were occupying the passengers’ reserved seats!

Pataliputra (Bihar) – The Bhojpur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed the Railways to pay compensation of ₹twenty thousand to passengers who were forced to travel standing despite holding valid reserved tickets.

1. 4 passengers were traveling on the LTT–Patna Express from Vindhyachal to Ara. They had purchased tickets in advance, and their seats were reserved in coach B-4. However, when they reached their seats, they found them already occupied. Upon inquiry, they discovered that the occupants were railway employees. The employees refused to vacate the seats.

2. The passengers complained to railway officials and sought assistance but no help was provided. As a result, all 4 passengers had to complete the journey standing. These persons filed complaints with the Railways and the Ministry of Railways, but no action was taken on those complaints either. (Those responsible for ignoring the complaints should also face action! – Editor) Eventually, the passengers approached the Bhojpur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission.

3. After hearing the matter, the Commission ordered the North Central Railway and the Ministry of Railways to refund the reservation amount (₹1,876) along with 8% annual interest and pay total compensation amounting to ₹20,000. The Commission directed that the payment be made within 60 days. It further clarified that if the amount is not paid within the stipulated period, the remaining sum would attract interest at the rate of 10% per annum.