'Offensive To Spirit Of Constitution': SC Pulls Up Railways Over 'Second-Class' Passenger Remark
'Offensive To Spirit Of Constitution': SC Pulls Up Railways Over 'Second-Class' Passenger Remark Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 07:55 IST The Supreme Court
'Offensive To Spirit Of Constitution': SC Pulls Up Railways Over 'Second-Class' Passenger Remark Published By, Last Updated: July 18, 2026, 07:55 IST The Supreme Court told Railways to stop calling travellers "second-class passengers", termed it against constitutional values, and awarded ₹8 lakh to a victim's wife. Rapid Read 'Second-Class' Coach, Not 'Second-Class' Passenger: Supreme Court's Message To Railways | Image for representation The Supreme Court has advised the Railways to stop referring to travellers as “second-class passengers", observing that such terminology carries social connotations that do not align with the values of the Constitution. The observation came while the court was hearing an appeal filed by the wife of a man who died after falling from a moving train in 2015. A Bench of Justices Sanjay Karol and N Kotiswar Singh said the description may relate to the fare paid by a traveller, but the classification should be attached to the coach rather than the person. Referring to India’s history of class divisions, the Bench said using the phrase “second-class passenger" is offensive to the spirit of the Constitution and suggested the Railways revise the terminology in its manuals and related documents.
Passengers Also Share Responsibility For Safety: Supreme Court The court also stressed that responsibility for railway safety cannot rest entirely with the Railways. It observed that despite repeated accidents, many people continue to take dangerous risks such as trying to board moving trains. While practical and economic compulsions may influence such decisions, the Bench said preserving life should take priority over convenience and urged passengers to avoid unsafe practices. Ticket Not Found Does Not End Passenger’s Claim The case concerned Chandrakant Thakkar, who died after falling from a moving train in 2015. His wife sought compensation, stating that her husband had purchased a ticket but it was kept in a bag that could not be recovered after the accident. The Railways Claims Tribunal rejected her plea on the ground that no valid ticket was found with the deceased. The Madhya Pradesh High Court later upheld that decision. Top Court Sets Aside Earlier Orders Allowing the appeal, the Supreme Court said the non-recovery of a train ticket by itself does not alter the status of a bona fide passenger.
The Bench noted that there was no dispute that the deceased had been travelling on the train or that the accident had occurred. Relying on its earlier rulings, the court said a missing ticket alone cannot be the basis for denying compensation. Setting aside the orders of the Railways Claims Tribunal and the Madhya Pradesh High Court, the Supreme Court directed that the victim’s wife be paid ₹8 lakh as compensation. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Key Questions Answered How will Railways change its passenger terminology? The Supreme Court has advised Indian Railways to discontinue using the term "second-class passenger". The court stated that such terminology is "offensive to the spirit of the Constitution" and suggested revising it in manuals and documents. What are the implications for future accident claims? The Supreme Court has directed Indian Railways to stop using the term "second-class passenger" as it is offensive to constitutional values. This ruling came as the court awarded ₹8 lakh compensation to the widow of a man who died after falling from a moving train.
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