UNION OF INDIA Vs. SURAJ KUMAR CHHABRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is by Union of India representing Railways challenging order of District Forum, Mansa dated August 29,1997 whereby following directions were given to the Railways to be complied with : "the opposite parties to remove deficiency in providing service to the travellers (general public) who daily travel through Railways at Railway Station, Mansa in respect of cleaning toilets and other urinals and further make provisions of suitable waiting hall for all classes of railway passengers and also provide sheds as per length of the Passenger/express Train on both sides of the platform. Further the more sitting benches should be got installed on both sides of the platform within a period of six months from the date of receipt of copy of order and similarly Railway Authorities are also liable to provide fully cleaned urinals and toilets in the railway compartments at the earliest"

(2.) The appellants were also directed to pay Rs.1,100/- as costs and compensation for the loss suffered to the complainant, Suraj Kumar Chhabra.

(3.) Suraj Kumar Chhabra, the complainant after getting seats reserved for journey from Mansa to Delhi and back travelled by Punjab Mail. On December 16, 1996, he returned to Mansa. He travelled in Class Second. He noticed lack of facilities in the train as well as at the Platform, Railway Station, Mansa for which he moved the complaint before the District Forum. The opposite parties contested the complaint by submitting their version taking up different preliminary objections and denying the factum of taking journey by the complainant and finding deficiency in rendering service on their part in respect of the facilities referred to above. However, it was stated that some plans were under consideration for extension of the Railway Station for providing more sheds for the passengers. The building was likely to be completed soon for which funds have been made available. Both the parties led their evidence on affidavits and documents.