In a landmark decision that strengthens passenger rights, a district consumer commission has ordered Indian Railways,national railway system india to pay Rs 9.10 lakh in compensation to a student who missed her entrance examination due to a delayed train. The ruling comes after a prolonged legal fight that lasted more than seven years.
The case has reignited debate on chronic train delays and the real-life consequences they can have—especially for students whose futures hinge on a single exam day.
What Happened on the Day of the Exam
The student, Samriddhi, had been preparing for a BSc Biotechnology entrance examination scheduled in Lucknow in 2018. Her examination centre was at Jai Narayan PG College, and she planned her journey carefully.
She boarded an intercity superfast train from Basti, scheduled to reach Lucknow at 11:00 am.
The train arrived over two-and-a-half hours late.
Candidates were required to report at the exam centre by 12:30 pm.
By the time Samriddhi reached the city, the gates had effectively closed on her academic opportunity. A full year of preparation was lost in a single morning.
Why the Court Held Railways Responsible
Shattered by the setback, Samriddhi approached the district consumer commission, seeking Rs 20 lakh in compensation for the loss of an academic year and mental trauma. Notices were issued to railway authorities, including senior officials.
During hearings:
●The Railways admitted the delay
However, they failed to provide a satisfactory explanation for it
The commission ruled that this amounted to deficiency in service, stating that passengers—especially those travelling for time-sensitive purposes—have a right to expect reasonable punctuality.
Rs 9.1 Lakh Compensation, With Interest Clause
In its order, the consumer commission directed the Railways to:
◆Pay Rs 9.10 lakh to the student
◆Make the payment within 45 days
◆Face an additional 12% annual interest if the deadline is missed
The amount reflects not just financial loss, but also the emotional and academic damage caused by the delay.
Lawyer Recalls the Long Road to Justice
Samriddhi’s lawyer, Prabhakar Mishra, said the incident occurred on May 7, 2018.
“She lost an entire academic year because she trusted the train schedule. The Railways accepted the delay but never justified it. That is why the court imposed a substantial penalty,” he said.
The case, he added, dragged on for years, highlighting how difficult it can be for ordinary passengers to seek accountability.
A Wake-Up Call for Rail Accountability
The ruling has sparked wider conversations about:
◆Passenger rights
◆Accountability for train delays
◆Compensation for real-life losses beyond ticket refunds
For millions who depend on trains for exams, jobs, and medical emergencies, the verdict sends a strong message: delays have consequences—and institutions can be held accountable.
