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SC Seeks Reply on PIL for Railway Quota, Fare Concessions for Acid Attack Victims

The Supreme Court has agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation seeking a separate railway reservation quota and concessional fares for acid attack victims. The plea argues that these victims, recognized under the Disabilities Act, are arbitrarily excluded from existing benefits available to other persons with disabilities. It highlights the financial burden of frequent travel for medical treatment and the need for air-conditioned coaches due to their injuries. The court has issued notices to the Railways and other relevant government bodies seeking their responses.

Key Points: SC Notice on PIL for Railway Quota for Acid Attack Victims

  • SC examines plea for railway quota
  • Seeks response from Railways & NCW
  • Victims excluded from current disability benefits
  • Petition argues violation of constitutional rights
2 min read

SC issues notice on PIL seeking Railway quota, concessions for acid attack victims

Supreme Court issues notice on PIL seeking separate railway reservation & fare concessions for acid attack victims, currently excluded from disability benefits.

"This regulatory lacuna results in a de facto denial of the quota to acid attack victims - Petition"

New Delhi, Jan 19

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a Public Interest Litigation seeking a separate earmarked reservation quota and concessional Railway fare for acid attack victims, who are currently excluded from existing benefits available to Persons with Disabilities.

A Bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant issued notice to the Ministry of Railways, the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, the National Commission for Women (NCW) and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) on the writ petition filed by Atijeevan Society under Article 32 of the Constitution.

The petition, filed through advocate Anandh Venkataramani, contended that despite being recognised as persons with specified disabilities under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, acid attack victims are excluded from concessional fare benefits under the Railways' Coaching Tariff No. 26 and from the earmarked quota for Persons with Disabilities.

The PIL highlighted that acid attack victims suffer lifelong bodily and facial disfigurement, often leading to blindness and severe physical disabilities, and require repeated reconstructive surgeries and specialised medical treatment available only at a handful of tertiary institutions in metropolitan cities.

"Due to the nature of their burn injuries, persistent itching, and especially after undergoing surgery, acid attack victims often need to travel by train in air-conditioned coaches. However, the cost of AC tickets for frequent travel is extremely high and often becomes unaffordable for them," the petition stated.

It further contended that the exclusion of AAVs from concessional fare facilities is "ex-facie arbitrary" and violates Article 14 of the Constitution, particularly when other categories of specified disabilities are granted such benefits.

"This regulatory lacuna results in a de facto denial of the quota to acid attack victims, rendering the policy manifestly arbitrary, unreasonable, and violative of Article 14," the petition said.

The petitioner, Pragya Prasun, founder of Atijeevan Foundation, also referred to Section 41(2) of the RPwD Act, which casts a mandatory duty on the government to promote personal mobility of Persons with Disabilities at an affordable cost through incentives and concessions.

She further contended that denial of concessional fare and reservation quota adversely impacts the right to live with dignity, which forms an integral part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
It's shocking that they were excluded in the first place. If the RPwD Act recognizes them, then all benefits should automatically apply. This is a clear oversight by the Railways ministry that needs immediate correction. Hope the SC directs them to fix it quickly.
A
Aman W
While I fully support the cause, I hope the implementation is done properly. Railway quotas are already misused sometimes. The system needs to be robust so the benefits reach the genuine survivors. The petition makes a very strong legal argument about Article 14 and 21.
S
Sarah B
The point about needing AC travel due to itching and surgeries is something I hadn't considered. It's not a luxury for them, it's a medical necessity. This isn't just about a concession, it's about enabling their right to healthcare and dignity. Powerful move by the petitioners.
V
Vikram M
Finally! This is basic humanity. These survivors have to travel to big cities like Delhi or Mumbai for treatment from smaller towns. The cost is prohibitive. Kudos to Pragya Prasun and the Atijeevan Foundation for taking this up. The government should have acted suo motu on this.
K
Karthik V
A respectful criticism: while the PIL is necessary, it highlights how our policies are often reactive, not proactive. Why did it take a court case for the railways to see this gap? Our systems need to be more empathetic and inclusive by design, not just after legal challenges.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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