High Court Orders Compensation for Media Professional Injured While Boarding Moving Train

Kochi: The High Court has ruled that a passenger who lost both legs while attempting to board a moving train is entitled to compensation. The decision came following a petition by media professional Siddharth, challenging a Railway Claims Tribunal order. The tribunal had earlier denied compensation, stating that the passenger’s own negligence in trying to board the moving train made him ineligible. However, Justice S. Manu observed that under the Railway Act, "self -inflicted injury' refers to deliberate acts, and accidents resulting from mere carelessness do not fall under this category. The court thus directed the railway authorities to pay compensation of eight lakh rupees. The incident occurred on November 19, 2022. Siddharth, then working with Kairali TV, was boarding a train to Delhi. At Surat Railway Station, he stepped out briefly to buy water, and while attempting to get back on as the train started moving, he fell, resulting in the loss of both legs. The High Court’s verdict comes as a significant relief for Siddharth. Advocates P Aadil, Mohammed Ibrahim, and Shabeer Ali appeared on his behalf.