The Bombay high court on Friday reprimanded the railway authorities and asked them to — instead of forming a committee — ask stationmasters and divisional railway managers to check the condition of toilets and other issues faced by commuters at railway stations themselves.
The division bench of Justice Naresh Patil and Justice Amjad Sayed expressed its displeasure when advocate T.J. Pandian on behalf of railway informed the court that they had put up lists of doctors near each suburban railway station on notice boards and a committee had been formed to visit each station to check on the conditions of
toilets.The judges termed forming of committee an old method and said that instead of waiting for a committee’s report, officers themselves could check the problems. The bench was hearing a bunch of petitions pertaining to safety of women who travel by local trains.
“Enough is enough. Don't kill time. Your divisional managers should be out there on the spot. Committee has been appointed but basic things are expected from you,” said Justice Naresh Patil when advocate Pandian said that maintenance of toilets has been outsourced with names and numbers of contractors having been
displayed.The issue of non-functional women’s toilets had been brought to the court’s attention in an earlier hearing. The court had then directed the Railways to look into the matter.
The court was of the opinion that the managers have powers to act on such basic issues as changing bulbs and carrying out basic repairs without waiting for a committee or its report. “Tenders are not required for minor repairs; you have the executive power to do so,” observed the bench.
Justice Amjad Sayed said that the Railways could also introduce pay-and-use facilities by engaging NGOs. He said that people would pay for using toilets but at least provide clean water closets. The court suggested the Railways include Mahila self-help groups to operate ladies toilets if required.
The judges also took note of absence of Government Railway Police Force (GRPF) and Railway Police Force (RPF) on platforms when commuters needed their help. The judges asked the railway authorities to carry out surprise visits to railway stations and see how many GRPF and RPF personnel were present on duty.
