The Madras High Court has instructed Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) to conduct surprise inspections inside Metro trains to guarantee that senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PwDs) are not denied seats designated for them. This directive came from a First Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava and Justice G. Arul Murugan while addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by advocate V.B.R. Menon.
The Bench also mandated CMRL to take immediate and appropriate action upon receiving specific complaints from senior citizens or PwDs regarding the denial of priority seating. Advocate Menon, in his petition, argued that the current system of marking seats with stickers for priority seating was ineffective. He suggested that a reasonable number of seats should be exclusively reserved for seniors and PwDs in every Metro train, similar to the practice for women.
Menon emphasized the need for exclusive reservation of seats for vulnerable passengers to prevent misuse and ensure their dignity and comfort. State Government Pleader A. Edwin Prabakar opposed the plea, stating that able-bodied passengers could only occupy priority seats in the absence of seniors or PwDs, and must vacate them for those in need. He highlighted that passengers could lodge complaints through the coach intercom, with CMRL staff taking necessary actions promptly.
The Bench, after considering both arguments, left it to CMRL to decide on the petitioner’s suggestion of exclusive seat reservation. Meanwhile, the court directed CMRL to conduct surprise inspections and ensure strict adherence to the existing priority seating regulations.
