Delhi HC questions Railways over stampede case affidavit delay

Delhi High Court Criticizes Indian Railways Over Affidavit Delay

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday criticized Indian Railways for not submitting an affidavit regarding the February 2025 stampede at the New Delhi railway station, which resulted in 18 fatalities.

A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia questioned the authorities’ laxity. They asked if the Railways were waiting for another incident, as the affidavit was “not in sight” even though it was due by March 26, 2025.

“Do not take the court for granted. We required you to file an affidavit. What did you do? Just to sail through the pressure at that moment when this petition was filed, a statement by the highest law officer of the country was made on behalf of the Railways. It has been a year, and you still have not been able to file that affidavit. What does this indicate? We do not appreciate this,” the Bench remarked.

The counsel for the railway authorities requested more time to file the affidavit. The counsel stated that comprehensive steps, such as creating holding areas, have been taken.

“We are waiting for the successful implementation of [its measures during] the Magh Mela. My affidavit is ready…,” the counsel said.

The court granted the Railways four weeks to file details on overcrowding and crowd control. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on February 25.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by the social organization ‘Arth Vidhi’. The plea claims that the tragic incident on the night of February 15, 2025, revealed “gross mismanagement” and the administration’s failure.

Following a suggestion by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the court had on February 19, 2025, asked the Railways to examine several issues. These include fixing a maximum number of passengers, overcrowding, and the sale of platform tickets at stations. The Railways was instructed to file an affidavit indicating its decisions.