GULJARI DEVI Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 21.08.2013, passed by the learned Member (Technical) of Railway Claim Tribunal, Ranchi in Case No. OA(IIU)/RNC/2011/ 0044. Learned counsel for the appellant has submitted that the learned Tribunal has erred in law by holding that the incident resulting in death of the appellant's husband does not come within the definition of "untoward incident" in terms of Sec. 123(c)(2) of the Railways Act, 1989.

(2.) Per contra learned counsel appearing for the respondent, Railways has submitted that though the deceased was a bona fide passenger travelling on the passenger train No. 8625, but it would be evident that the appellant/claimant, i.e. wife, has made contradictory statement regarding the manner of occurrence as she has stated that her deceased -husband was returning to his seat from toilet but due to sudden jerk jostling by passengers took place due to which her husband slipped and he fell down near Tupkadih, whereas in the same breath she has stated that she searched for her husband at Bokaro Railway Station but could not find him in the train and thereafter she informed her family members. Such contradictory statement does not establish the fact that her husband sustained injuries due to untoward incident resulting in his death. It is argued that there is no explanation as to why the claimant did not raise any alarm when such an accident took place. It is contended that it is amply clear that the Station Master, of Tupkadih Railway Station, submitted the inquiry report, i.e. Ext. R -2, wherein Train Guard accompanying the train has categorically stated that there was no accidental fall near Tupkadih. In fact the train had a stoppage of 12 minutes at Tupkadih but no incident of a person falling from the train was reported neither there was any jerk in the train nor have the co -passengers reported about the incident. It is canvassed that in view of the evidence on record, the Tribunal has rightly held that the compensation cannot be awarded as it was not an 'untoward incident' as defined under Sec. 123(c)(2) of Railways Act, 1989.

(3.) Heard. Perused the impugned judgment and order. It is not in dispute that the deceased was travelling on the said train i.e. Train No. 8625, Rajendra Nagar -Hatia Express having a valid ticket. He had boarded the train at Rajendra Nagar Station. The applicant/claimant was also travelling with him. Though there are contradictions in her statement, but this was natural as she was not an eye -witness to the occurrence. As per the final report submitted by the Railway police it is explicit that the deceased died due to fall from the train and he came under the wheels of the train No. 8625. It is settled proposition that the provisions of Sec. 124(A) is a beneficial legislation and if the words used in a beneficial or welfare statue are capable of two construction the one which is more in consonance with the object of the Act and for the benefit of the person for what the Act was made would be preferred. The Tribunal has erred in analyzing the evidence meticulously as if he was conducting a criminal trial. The evidence in such case has to be evaluated on the basis of preponderance of probabilities. "Untoward incident" is defined under Sec. 123(c)(2) as "accidental falling of any passenger from a train carrying passenger". The post -mortem report establishes the fact that the deceased died on account of fall from the train and his body was cut in two pieces. The final report submitted by the police corroborates the same.