RAM EKBAL PRASAD Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal has been filed under S.82F(2) of the Railways Act, 1980 (hereinafter referred to as 'the Act'). The appellant was the guard of a goods train which was involved in an accident. He made a claim under S.82A of the Act for compensation of Rs. 30000/- on account of injuries sustained in the accident and the loss of certain goods. The respondent defended the claim, inter alia, on the ground that since the appellant was not covered by the expression 'passenger' within the meaning of S.82A, he was not entitled to any relief under the Act. The Claims Commissioner, who heard the case, rejected the defence case relating to the merits of the claim and held that the applicant was entitled to a sum of Rs. 20000/- and odd. The application was, however, dismissed on the technical ground that the applicant was not entitled to any relief under S.82A of the Act.

(2.) Mr. Bishwanath Agrawal, appearing in support of the appeal contended that since the Section is remedial in nature, it should be interpreted liberally so as to include a railway servant travelling as a part of his duty within the term 'passenger'. He emphasised the fact that the applicant was not a passenger travelling unauthorisedly. If a person on a train with a ticket on payment of fare is entitled to compensation, there cannot be any reason to exclude the guard who is rendering useful service and without whose presence the train cannot be allowed to move, from the benefits of the Section. I am afraid, the Section cannot be enlarged in its scope on account of apparently equitable but sentimental ground urged. During the course of argument. we felt deep sympathy for the appellant and after the close of the hearing, reserved our judgement observing that the railway administration may take a sympathetic attitude in favour of the appellant. A copy of our order of that date was handed over to the learned counsel for the respondent for being sent to the railway authorities. The case was thereafter adjourned on several occasions and ultimately on 4-8-1986 the learned counsel for the parties informed us that no amicable settlement could be arrived at.

(3.) The language of S.82A of the Act in unambiguous terms refers to the death of or personal in jury and loss etc. to a passenger so as to give rise of a liability of the railway administration under this Section. The principles governing damages or arising in equitable claims are not relevant the liability arises independently. The Section directs payment to be made whether or not there has been any wrongful act, neglect or default on the part of the railway administration such as would entitle a person to maintain an action and recover damages. The duty to pay arises notwithstanding any other provisions of law to the contrary. Judged against this background, the Section must be confined to cases where the claimant is a passenger. Persons who are not included in the expression 'passenger' are entitled to claim compensation by following other remedies available in law.