No relief for senior citizens seeking concession in railway fares as SC junks plea

The Supreme Court of India on Friday rejected plea seeking to restore concession in Railway ticket prices for senior citizens.

A bench of Justices SK Kaul and Ahsanuddin Amanullah was hearing a plea filed by MK Balakrishnan for restoration of the concessions that was discontinued in order to stem the spread of the disease.

"It would not be appropriate for this court to issue a writ of mandamus in a petition under Article 32 of the Constitution. It is for the government to take a call on the issue keeping in mind the needs of the senior citizens and the fiscal repercussions. Dismissed," said the court, rejecting the petitioner's contention that the state has an obligation to grant concessions to the elderly.


In 2020, the Centre had discontinued the concessions granted to senior citizens to discourage the movement of people to arrest the spread of Covid-19.

A parliamentary standing committee recently recommended resumption of the concessions that was granted to senior citizens before the onset of the pandemic.

The Indian Railways used to offer a 40 per cent discount in fares to males aged 60 years or more and 50 per cent to females over the age of 58 years.

(With inputs from PTI)