‘What are rlys doing to stop rooftop travelling?’

Concerned about the dangers of rooftop travelling, the Bombay high court has asked the railways what are it doing to prevent such incidents.

The question was raised by the high court while hearing a contempt petition filed by Samir Zaveri, who had lost both his legs in a railway accident a few years ago.

Zaveri had filed contempt petition as the railways failed to comply with the 2004 high court directions following his public interest litigation (PIL) for commuters’ safety and providing immediate medical attention to accident victims.

Based on his petition, the high court had issued show cause notices to the Central Railway, Western Railway and the Government Railway Police (GRP) asking why contempt action should not be initiated against them.

The court had observed that they had prima facie committed contempt of court.

Jamshed Cama, counsel for Zaveri, informed the court that despite the contempt notice, several such incidents have taken place.

 Advocate Jamshed Mistry, who has been appointed as amicus curie (friend of court), said they have given certain suggestions to the railways to prevent such rooftop travellers.
“After the conversion from DC to AC current, it is even more dangerous for people travelling on the top of trains,” said Mistry, adding that a solution needs to be found as soon as possible.
The only way to avoid such accidents is to prevent rooftop travellers, said Mistry.

“It should be ensured that no one travels on top of trains. GRP personnel posted at stations should keep a check for the same. Even commuters who see such rooftop travellers should inform the GRP,” added Mistry.

The railways could also put up notices informing people about the danger of travelling on rooftops.

Keeping the contempt petition for hearing after three weeks, justice SJ Vazifdar has asked railways to file additional documents if required.