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Bombay HC Says Fall While De-Boarding Non‑Halting Train Isn’t Self‑Inflicted

The ruling shifts responsibility toward better rail announcements so confused riders are not blamed.

Overview

  • The High Court ruling on Tuesday directed Central Railway to pay Rs 80,000 plus 6% annual interest within 12 weeks after setting aside a 2018 tribunal denial.
  • Justice Jitendra Jain held that trying to get off a moving express that does not stop at a station is an untoward incident under the Railways Act, not a self‑inflicted injury.
  • The case involved Rohidas Bandu Kumavat, who fell near Jalgaon from the Guwahati Express in 2017 and suffered head and leg injuries after slipping in a rush by the coach door.
  • Noting poor information on long‑distance trains, the court urged Railways to add clear onboard and platform announcements about halting stations, like those on Vande Bharat services.
  • The decision guides tribunals to avoid blaming passengers acting in panic and could drive safety updates on long‑distance routes and fairer compensation in similar claims.