Conduct Periodic Audits To Ensure Maintenance Of Highest Standards Of Safety & Security Measures: Delhi HC Directs Railway Authorities

The Delhi High Court directed the railway authorities to conduct periodic audits and submit a comprehensive report to the Government to ensure the maintenance of the highest standards of safety and security at Railway Stations all over the country.

The Court noted that Indian Railways has implemented various safety and security measures including as Anti-Collision Devices, CCTV Cameras, luggage scanners, door frame metal detectors, hand-held metal detectors, body-worn cameras, and trained dogs (Sniffer and Tracker).

The Division Bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Saurabh Banerjee noted, “Therefore, in light of the affidavits filed by the Union of India, nothing more is required and, thus, the present PIL stands disposed of. However, the Respondents shall ensure that there is a periodic audit in respect of the safety and security measures in the Indian Railways and after conducting periodic audit and assessing the situation, the Government of India shall ensure maintenance of highest standards of safety and security at Railway Stations all over the country”.

Advocate Kush Sharma appeared for Petitioner and Central Government Standing Counsel Arunima Dwivedi appeared for the Respondent/ Union of India.

In this case, a Public Interest Litigation in the form of a Writ Petition was filed by the Petitioner regarding the safety measures at railway stations. The Petitioner has expressed concerns about the lack of safety measures such as anti-collision devices, alcohol-checking devices, emergency telephones, CCTV cameras, luggage scanning devices, metal detector doors, and hand-held metal detectors. The Petitioner sought directions against the respondents to ensure that the highest standards of safety and security measures are maintained at all railway stations across India, including Delhi. The Respondent submitted a detailed affidavit highlighting the safety measures implemented by the authorities.

The Court placed reliance on the affidavit submitted and asserted that all safety and security measures were implemented and therefore the Petition could not be maintained. The Court asserted, “All the aforesaid clearly reflect that the safety and security of passengers is of paramount importance to the Railways and the Railways have been taking all necessary safeguards to ensure that there is no breach in respect of safety and security of passengers. The affidavit reveals that the Railways have presently installed CCTV Cameras, luggage scanning devices, door frame metal detectors, hand held metal detector, body worn cameras and dogs (Sniffer and Tracker), automatic train protection system etc”.

Accordingly, the Court disposed of the Petition.

Cause Title: Kush Kalra v. Union of India And Ors. (2023:DHC:5207-DB)

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