Railways slapped Compensation for Doctor's injury
Railways told to Compensate Doctor
Ajmer: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC), Ajmer, recently directed Railways to pay compensation of Rs 60,000 to a doctor at JLN Hospital, who was injured when stepping down from the train at Ajmer station, where there was no platform.
During the incident on April 10, 2016, the doctor sustained multiple fractures and had to remain bedridden for six months. However, while responding to the incident, the railways stated that the passenger intentionally stepped down from the coach, where there was no platform.
The concerned doctor is a physician from Ajmer and a professor at JLN Medical College. Appearing on behalf of the doctor, his advocate Surya Prakesh Gandhi said that "*** the doctor had returned from Delhi to Ajmer via the Yoga Express. When he stepped down at Ajmer junction, there was no platform as the second AC coach was at the end, causing *** to fall and sustain injuries."
After the fall, the doctor had to undergo surgeries, and he remained bedridden. Due to this, he was unable to treat patients at JLN Hospital, the Times of India has reported. In this regard, the doctor's advocate submitted, "He lodged a complaint with the railways, but the railways replied that passengers should step down from the coach where there is a platform. They claimed passengers jumped from the coach without looking outside, thus absolving the railways of responsibility."
He further mentioned that the railways suggested the doctor was not a consumer of the railways and should approach the Railway Claims Tribunal.
While considering the matter, the District Consumer Court found this instance to be a major negligence on the part of the railways in providing safety and security to passengers. The Commission determined that they had the right to hear the case as the passenger had paid for the railway's services.
Accordingly, in its June 6 order, the Commission Chairman Arun Kumawat, along with members Dinesh Chaturvedi and Jaishri Sharma, directed the railways to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation and Rs 10,000 for mental harassment, with an interest of 9 per cent from November 22, 2016, when the complaint was filed. Additionally, Railways were directed to pay Rs 25,000 to the welfare account of the consumer commission.
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