The Supreme Court of India has directed the Central government to consider providing concessional air-conditioned train tickets to acid attack survivors to assist them with traveling to specialized medical facilities for long-term treatment.
A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice Surya Kant and including Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V Mohana on Thursday requested Additional Solicitor General Archana Pathak Dave to obtain necessary instructions from the Ministry of Railways regarding the matter. During the proceedings, the bench suggested that the government evaluate whether acid attack survivors could be grouped with other medical patient categories, such as those suffering from cancer and Thalassemia, who are already eligible for subsidized rail travel.
Medical Travel Obstacles
The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by the Atijeevan Society, an organization seeking railway reservations and discounted fares for individuals who have survived acid attacks. According to the petition, these survivors must frequently travel to premier tertiary healthcare institutions in major cities like Delhi, Chennai, and Hyderabad to undergo reconstructive surgeries, advanced eye procedures, and extended post-operative care. These treatments often span a period of four to five years.
The petitioner pointed out that traveling in air-conditioned coaches is a medical necessity for survivors due to the physical complications of their injuries, which include severe, ongoing itching and delicate post-surgical wounds. However, the high price of air-conditioned rail tickets makes regular travel financially impossible for many. Under the current rules, survivors cannot access the discounted fares or reserved quotas designated for persons with disabilities.
Administrative Barriers And Current Frameworks
The petition also highlighted administrative hurdles faced by survivors, particularly those who have been forced to swallow acid. These individuals frequently encounter major difficulties in obtaining the specific medical certificates required by treating hospitals to qualify for railway travel concessions.
Addressing the bench, Additional Solicitor General Dave stated that the Ministry of Railways currently provides travel concessions to individuals falling under 21 recognized categories of disabilities. She added that the ministry is also planning to implement an emergency travel quota system for all established disabled categories.
The Supreme Court, which had previously issued a formal notice to the Centre concerning the petition’s demands, has scheduled the matter for further consideration once the law officer receives instructions from the railway ministry.
