All India Loco Running Staff vs Railway Board And Others

Sunil B. Shukre, J

Rule. Rule is made returnable forthwith. Heard finally with the consent of the learned Counsel appearing for the parties.

2) During the course of hearing, it has transpired that the representations made regarding necessity of deploying two experienced Loco Pilots – one as main Loco Pilot and other as Co-Loco Pilot for driving high speed trains have not been considered and decided by the respondents so far.

3) We are of the view that the decision taken in this regard by the Railways pertains to policy of the Railways and, therefore, it would be appropriate for the Railways to take into consideration the grievance raised by the Association of Loco Pilots in its representation dated 1/12/2020 and also similar subsequent representations in accordance with law and in the best interest of the safety of the passengers and efficient management of the Railways including cutting of costs on running various trains. Therefore, even though no specific prayer is made by the petitioner for deciding these representations, we direct the respondents to consider these representations, i.e. representation dated 1/12/2020 and similar other representations, in accordance with law as expeditiously as possible, preferably within six months from today.

4) Rule is made absolute in the aforesaid terms. The writ petition is disposed of. No costs.