New Delhi: The railway fare concessions for acid attack survivors issue moved forward in the Supreme Court after the Union Government informed the Court that the Railway Board has, in principle, agreed to formulate a policy to provide travel concessions for acid attack survivors seeking medical treatment. The development came during a hearing before the Supreme Court, which is examining a plea seeking travel support and emergency quotas for survivors who often need repeated medical care across different cities.
Supreme Court Informed Railway Fare Concessions For Acid Attack Survivors
A Bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice V. Mohan was informed that the Railway Board has agreed in principle to create a policy for providing fare concessions to acid attack survivors.
The Court granted the Union Government six weeks to place the draft policy on record. The Bench noted that the proposal should be formally presented so that the Court can examine its scope and implementation.
The update was provided by Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave, who informed the Court that discussions had taken place with the Chairman of the Railway Board regarding the issue.
Railway Fare Concessions For Acid Attack Survivors: Why Is The Policy Being Considered
Acid attack survivors often require long-term medical treatment, reconstructive surgeries, rehabilitation, and regular follow-up consultations. Many survivors must travel significant distances to reach specialized hospitals located in major cities. The cost of repeated travel can create a financial burden, making access to treatment more difficult.
Recognizing these challenges, the Supreme Court had earlier asked the Centre to consider extending railway concessions and emergency travel facilities to acid attack survivors.
Concession Likely Under Patient Category
During the hearing, the Union Government clarified that the proposed concession would likely be provided under the patient category rather than the disability category. According to the Centre, acid attack survivors are already recognized as persons with disabilities. However, extending railway concessions under the disability category could lead to demands from other disability groups because similar benefits are not currently available to all categories of persons with disabilities. The government stated that providing the benefit under the patient category would be a more practical approach while ensuring survivors receive support for medical travel.
Railway Fare Concessions For Acid Attack Survivors: Concerns Raised By Petitioners
The petitioner argued that concessions linked only to travel between specific stations may not fully address the needs of acid attack survivors.
The counsel pointed out that survivors often travel to multiple hospitals, undergo surgeries at different locations, and may need to attend court proceedings related to their cases. As a result, obtaining separate concession certificates from different hospitals could create additional difficulties and delays.
The petitioner also requested emergency travel quotas, especially during the first few months after an acid attack when immediate medical attention is often critical.
Railway Fare Concessions For Acid Attack Survivors: Centre Says Details Will Be Worked Out
The Union Government informed the Court that the finer details of the policy are still being prepared. Issues such as eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, duration of benefits, and implementation procedures will be finalized while drafting the policy framework. The Court directed the Centre to place the draft policy on record so that its provisions can be examined in detail.
Background Of The Case
The Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed by the Atijeevan Society. The petition seeks railway fare concessions and emergency reservation quotas for acid attack survivors travelling for treatment and rehabilitation. During previous hearings, the petitioner highlighted that Indian Railways already provides concessions and reservation benefits to several categories of passengers, while the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 also supports accessibility and assistance measures for persons with disabilities.
The Supreme Court had earlier asked the Centre to consider extending similar benefits to acid attack survivors because they frequently require specialized treatment available only in selected hospitals across the country.
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