The Telangana State High Court in Hyderabad has overturned a Railway Claims Tribunal order awarding compensation to the parents of a young man who died after falling from a moving train. The court held that mere allegations of suicide cannot dismiss a valid claim under the Railway Accident Compensation Act.
Background of the Case
The case arose from the death of U. Balaji on May 23, 2015. According to his parents, the deceased had purchased a valid train ticket and boarded a passenger train from Adoni to Nagarur to attend a family function.
They claimed that due to overcrowding in the compartment, he accidentally slipped and fell from the moving train between railway stations, sustaining fatal injuries.
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The parents approached the Railway Claims Tribunal seeking ₹10 lakh compensation under Section 124-A of the Railways Act, 1989. However, the Tribunal dismissed their plea in 2019, holding that the incident did not qualify for compensation.
The Railways opposed the claim, arguing that:
- There were no eyewitnesses to prove the deceased was travelling in the train
- The possibility of suicide could not be ruled out
- The location of the body raised doubts about the version of events
They relied mainly on an internal report to support their defence.
Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy closely examined both oral and documentary evidence, including the ticket recovered from the deceased and police records.
The Court noted that the applicants had successfully established that the deceased was a bona fide passenger.
Importantly, the Court found that the Railways failed to produce convincing evidence to support the theory of suicide.
“The mere assertion that the deceased committed suicide is not sufficient to deny compensation,” the Court observed.
It further pointed out that official records such as the FIR and inquest report consistently indicated an accidental fall from a running train.
On the issue of lack of eyewitnesses, the Court clarified that strict proof is not always required in such cases.
“The initial burden on claimants stands discharged when supported by credible material, after which the burden shifts to the Railways,” the bench noted.
The Court also criticized the delayed preparation of the Railway’s internal report, observing that such delay undermines its reliability.
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The Court held that:
- Accidental fall from a train qualifies as an “untoward incident” under the Railways Act
- Over-travelling beyond the destination does not make a passenger unauthorized
- Compensation law under the Railways Act is a beneficial legislation and must be interpreted liberally
“The provisions are intended to provide social security to victims and their families,” the Court emphasized.
Setting aside the Tribunal’s order, the High Court allowed the appeal and granted compensation to the parents.
The Court directed the Railways to pay ₹8,00,000 as compensation, noting that the enhanced statutory amount would apply as it is higher than the calculated amount with interest.
“The applicants are entitled to compensation under Section 124-A of the Railways Act,” the Court concluded.
The Railways have been directed to deposit the amount within two months, after which the parents can withdraw their equal shares.
Case Details
Case Title: Ravi & Another v. Union of India
Case Number: Civil Miscellaneous Appeal No. 318 of 2022
Judge: Justice Vakiti Ramakrishna Reddy
Decision Date: 08 April 2026
