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Tribunals and Commissions(1991) 02 NCDRC CK 0004

General Manager, Southern Railway vs CHAIRMAN, MADRAS PROVINCIAL CONSUMERS ASSOCIATION

National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission · Decided on 22 February 1991 · Citation: 1991 0 CPC 493 : 1991 1 CPR 660 : 1991 2 CPJ 106

HON’BLE JUDGES
S.K.Kader , R.N.Manickam , Ramani Mathuranayagam J.
RESULT
Appeal dismissed

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Judgment

4 paragraphs · 353 words
1.

THE Southern Railway, Madras represented by the General Manager who was the opposite party before the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Madras in O.P. No. 11/90 is the Appellant before us.

2.

THE Respondent has filed the complaint for directing the Southern Railways to supply Drinking water in satchets along with the curd rice. The Southern Railways contended that curd rice is an economy food pocket, that water cannot be supplied with every packet of curd rice and that water is made be available to the passengers by deputing waterman. The D.C.D.R. Forum directed the Railways to supply drinking water in 500 ml. satchets along with the economy meal. It is against this order this appeal is preferred.

We agree with the D.C.D.R. Forum that drinking water is not available in First Class or Second Class compartments. The supply of water by waterman at certain railway stations is not a substitute for proper supply of water in the compartments. The curd rice may be an economy meal, but water is indispensable for consuming the food. Food without water is like a man without the soul. It is therefore, absolutely essential for the Railways to supply drinking water to passengers whether it is economy or casserole meal.

3.

MR. R.R. Dalavai for the Respondent argued before us that it is not necessary to order supply of water in satchets as it would push up the price and it was enough if water is provided in every second class and first class compartment in well maintained containers. The learned Counsel appearing for the Railways is agreeable and assures that the railways will see that there is drinking water facility in every compartment at all time. Accordingly, we modify the order of the D.C.D.R. Forum to this extent The Railways will see that there is availability of drinking water in suitable containers in every compartment of the train, instead of supplying water in satchets along with curd rice as directed by the District Forum. In other respects the appeal fails and is dismissed. No costs. This order shall be complied within a fortnight. Appeal dismissed.