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Crime
Kerala High Court upholds railways' authority to remove drunk passengers
✍️ indianexpress.com
🗓 01 Sep 2026, 03:18 PM
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The Kerala High Court ruled that Indian Railways can lawfully remove passengers who are visibly intoxicated from trains, reinforcing existing safety measures.
The Kerala High Court delivered a verdict confirming that Indian Railways has the legal power to eject passengers who appear to be under the influence of alcohol while on board. The judgment was issued in response to petitions challenging the railway's disciplinary actions against intoxicated travelers.
The bench held that maintaining order and safety on trains is a paramount concern, and that the removal of drunk passengers is a reasonable measure under existing railway regulations. It noted that such actions are aimed at preventing disturbances, ensuring passenger comfort, and averting potential accidents.
The ruling aligns with the railways' long‑standing policy to intervene when a passenger's behavior threatens the safety or tranquility of the journey. Authorities are now directed to continue enforcing the rule without fear of legal reprisal, while passengers are advised to adhere to conduct guidelines while travelling.
The bench held that maintaining order and safety on trains is a paramount concern, and that the removal of drunk passengers is a reasonable measure under existing railway regulations. It noted that such actions are aimed at preventing disturbances, ensuring passenger comfort, and averting potential accidents.
The ruling aligns with the railways' long‑standing policy to intervene when a passenger's behavior threatens the safety or tranquility of the journey. Authorities are now directed to continue enforcing the rule without fear of legal reprisal, while passengers are advised to adhere to conduct guidelines while travelling.