In a recent decision, the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) directed Indian Railways to compensate a man ₹3.2 lakh after he lost his left eye due to a loose iron bolt on a train. The NCDRC’s ruling came after an appeal by Indian Railways, challenging an earlier decision by the Telangana State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, which had awarded the victim ₹10 lakh.
The incident occurred while Vennapu Prasada Rao was traveling on the Janmabhoomi Express from Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam. A poorly secured nut bolt hit him in the left eye, leading to the loss of vision in that eye. Initially, Vennapu sought ₹20 lakh in compensation, citing the injury and accompanying mental anguish.
The Telangana State Commission had ruled in his favor, ordering Indian Railways to pay ₹10 lakh with 9% interest and ₹20,000 in legal costs. However, Indian Railways contested the decision, bringing the case before the NCDRC.
The NCDRC, while upholding the State Commission’s finding that Vennapu’s injury was legitimate and occurred during the train journey, adjusted the compensation to ₹3.2 lakh. This reduction was based on the Railway Accident and Untoward Incidents (Compensation) Rules, 1990, which caps the compensation for such injuries. The commission emphasized that the law does not permit higher compensation based on case specifics, overriding the earlier decision.
Senior Counsel Anushkaa Arora and advocate Yukta Kathuria represented South Central Railway, while advocates Renuka Sahu and Shubham Bhatia appeared on behalf of Vennapu Prasada Rao. The NCDRC’s decision concludes that the reduced compensation amount aligns with legal limits, despite the severity of the injury.
