Supreme Court Wants Railways to End 'Second-Class Passenger' Label, Calls for Safer and More Equal Travel
The Supreme Court has asked Indian Railways to stop using the term "second-class passenger", saying the expression no longer reflects the values of equality and dignity guaranteed under the Constitution. The court observed that while railway coaches may continue to be classified by category, passengers themselves should not be identified through labels that create a sense of hierarchy.
The observations were made during the hearing of a case involving the death of a passenger who fell from an overcrowded train. While deciding the compensation claim, the bench also highlighted the urgent need for Indian Railways to strengthen passenger safety and address the long-standing issue of overcrowding across the railway network.
According to the court, terms such as "second-class passenger" have their origins in the colonial era and are inconsistent with modern constitutional principles. The judges suggested that Indian Railways continue using terms like "second-class coach" to identify compartments but avoid attaching such descriptions to passengers.
The bench also recommended that the phrase "second-class passenger" be removed from railway tickets, official manuals and administrative records to promote more inclusive and respectful language in public institutions.
Apart from the terminology issue, the Supreme Court expressed concern over persistent overcrowding in trains, stating that excessive passenger loads increase safety risks and reduce travel comfort. The judges observed that preventing such situations should be treated as an administrative priority to avoid accidents and loss of life.
The case before the court was filed by the widow of a man who died after falling from an overcrowded train. Holding that the authorities had a responsibility to provide safe travel conditions, the Supreme Court directed that the deceased passenger's wife be paid ₹8 lakh as compensation.
The bench stressed that government institutions must reflect constitutional values not only through their actions but also through the language they use. It observed that terminology creating distinctions among passengers based on class does not align with the ideals of equality and dignity expected in a democratic society.
Although the observations are not mandatory directions, they are expected to influence future decisions by Indian Railways. The remarks are also likely to strengthen ongoing discussions on improving passenger safety, reducing overcrowding and adopting more inclusive language across India's railway system.
