Summary: A tragic accident on a train journey from Pune to Tandur led to a court battle over compensation. The High Court of Bombay has overturned a previous decision, granting compensation to the family of the deceased.
On the night of August 27, 2011, the Rathod family was traveling from Pune to Tandur on the Hyderabad Express. The journey turned tragic at Chittapur Railway Station when Laxman Rathod, attempting to get back on the moving train after using the restroom, lost his balance and fell under the train. This resulted in severe injuries and his death.
The Railway Claims Tribunal in Mumbai initially rejected the compensation claim on April 30, 2018. They argued that the incident did not qualify as an "unexpected incident" under a specific section of the Railways Act, 1989. However, Laxman Rathod was considered a genuine passenger since he had a valid ticket.
"The incident occurred while re-boarding the train from the wrong side." - Tribunal's Observation
Judge Jitendra Jain of the High Court of Bombay heard the appeal on March 4, 2026. The court found that the fall was accidental and met the criteria for an "unexpected incident." The decision was influenced by similar cases, such as Sudhir Yadav & Ors. vs. Union of India, where compensation was granted under similar circumstances.
"The accident occurred not while attending to nature’s call from a train coming from the other side, but while re-boarding the train." - Judge Jitendra Jain
The case was supported by an eye-witness and a police report confirming the accidental nature of the fall. Laxman Rathod's son also testified that his father fell while trying to re-board the train.
The court ordered the Union of India to pay Rs.4 lakhs as compensation, with 6% interest per year, capped at Rs.8,00,000. The payment is to be made within twelve weeks of Smt. Chandibai Laxman Rathod and the other claimants providing their bank details.
"The respondent should remit the amounts to the appellants equally." - Final Court Order
The court ruled in favor of the Rathod family, granting them compensation for the accidental death of Laxman Rathod. This decision ensures that the family will receive financial support after the tragic incident.
