Supreme Court Directs Equal Insurance Cover for Railway Counter Tickets

The Supreme Court directed Indian Railways to extend passenger insurance to tickets purchased at reservation counters on the same terms as tickets bought online, with implementation from October 27.

Background and legal issue

The order arose in proceedings addressing passenger safety and the unequal availability of an insurance option based on the ticket-purchase channel. The Court allowed approximately two weeks for implementation.

Court’s reasoning and procedural position

The direction targets a practical disparity between passengers who purchase tickets digitally and those using physical counters. It does not by itself determine compensation payable in any individual accident.

Legal consequence and next step

Railway authorities must arrange equivalent coverage for counter-ticket purchasers by the effective date. This story was published late on October 13 after the preceding run’s earlier cut-off.