Madras High Court Railways Act No Authority To Deboard Passenger Intending To Protest

The Madras High Court held that under the Railways Act, authorities do not possess the power to deboard a passenger who boards with the intention of protesting, even if such protest could disrupt train operations. The court clarified that while railway authorities have the mandate to regulate safety and security, removing a passenger solely based on their intent to protest infringes fundamental rights including freedom of speech and movement. It stressed that administrative actions must adhere to legal frameworks without arbitrariness. The judgment delineates the limits of railway authority powers, affirming that any curtailment of protest rights must be strictly lawful and proportionate. This ruling reinforces constitutional protections within public transport frameworks and curtails unchecked executive powers against dissent.