HC gives key ruling on railway luggage theft

The verdict pointed out that the mere absence of the conductor per se might not amount to deficiency of service when there was no allegation with respect to his failure to close the door.

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The Delhi High Court Wednesday said a passenger travelling in train was responsible for the safety of their luggage and railways was not liable for any theft unless there was negligence or misconduct by its officials.

Justice Ravinder Dudeja passed the verdict while hearing a man's plea alleging he was travelling in a 3rd AC coach and his backpack, having laptop, camera, charger, eye glasses and ATM cards, was stolen during the journey from New Delhi to Nagpur in January, 2013.

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission had previously dismissed his complaint which claimed over ₹34,000 for the loss of goods aside from ₹1,400 for the harassment due to deficiency in services.