Bombay HC notice to Railways to repay crores to passengers

Nagpur, Mar 28: The ministry of railways (MoR) and 16 others have received notices from the Nagpur bench of Bombay High court on a public interest litigation (PIL), demanding to repay crores of rupees to nearly 60.87 lakh passengers who travelled in high capacity coaches but were not paid discount in fares as announced by the government of Former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.

On Feb 26, 2008, Lalu had announced 6% discount in fares for passengers travelling in high capacity coaches wherein berths were extended from 72 to 81, as reported by The Times of India in 2009.

An RTI was filed by a petitioner Avinash Prabhune, Nagpur and the information under the act revealed that 6,000 coaches were converted into high capacity coaches in 16 zones.

The petitioner wanted the discount funds to be deposited in Prime Minister's Relief Fund and take stern action against the officials who failed to implement the Union budget's commitment.

Three years back, the issue came in the limelight when the petitioner was travelling to & fro from Nagpur to Delhi, and they were not granted discount during their journey in high capacity coaches.

Under the RTI Act, the Indian Railways have also provided Rs 4,266 compensation to the petitioner for the harassment faced by them while carrying out the matter for more than a year under the RTI Act.

OneIndia News