– B E F O R E –

HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE MR. ASHUTOSH KUMAR

HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN DEV CHOUDHURY

12-12-2025

(Ashutosh Kumar, C.J.)

The present PIL has been filed alleging that the respondents/Railways have failed to maintain punctuality, safety standards, amenities and service quality. It has also been alleged that the advanced “Kavach”, an automatic train protection system, has not been fully rolled out and that the Railways are prioritising expansion over maintenance, thereby enhancing the risk of derailment and exposing the vulnerable commuters to accident.

At the outset, we note that the petition is bereft of any concrete material particulars or data. Except for bald statements and general assertions, the writ petition does not refer to any specific incident of derailment/accident, identified safety lapse, particularly in any stretch of track, or any statutory violation which would justify exercise of this Court’s extra-ordinary jurisdiction.

Public interest litigation is a serious instrument which cannot be founded on sweeping allegations, perceived administrative emergencies, or general grievances about systemic functioning.

The Courts must guard against vague and omnibus p