If you also watch videos or reels on your mobile while on a train, be careful—you could now face a hefty fine..

If you have a habit of playing reels, videos, or music at high volume on your mobile phone while traveling by train, you should be careful. Fellow passengers can now lodge complaints against you, which could lead to action being taken against you. Southern Railway has issued directives to take strict measures against such passengers. The railways state that playing content at high volume through mobile speakers in public spaces causes a nuisance to other passengers. To curb such behavior, passengers will be made aware of the rules, and those who violate them may face disciplinary action.

In a circular sent to all its divisions, Southern Railway has expressed concern over the growing trend of playing music or videos at high volume on mobile phones at railway stations and inside train coaches. According to the railways, the easy availability of mobile internet has led to an increase in people playing videos and other content on speaker mode in public areas. This causes inconvenience to co-passengers and spoils the travel environment.

A fine of ₹1,000 and potential removal from the train

Citing relevant legal provisions, Southern Railway has instructed officials to take action in such cases. According to this latest circular, an offending passenger can be fined up to ₹1,000 and, if necessary, may even be removed from the train coach. Furthermore, if anyone creates a disturbance regarding this, legal action may also be initiated against them.

Which law has the Railways cited?

In its directive, Southern Railway has referred to Section 142 of the Railways Act. The circular also states that Ticket Checkers (TCs) and senior railway officials are authorized to impose fines under the prescribed provisions. The Railway Board has also been informed about this.

The Railways has also referenced an older directive issued by the Railway Board in July 2012. At one time, concerns were raised regarding habits such as speaking loudly on mobile phones, engaging in long conversations, and using offensive ringtones. Now, with the growing trend of using mobile internet and watching videos, the Railways has identified a need to re-sensitize passengers.

Awareness campaign to be conducted in Hindi, English, and regional languages

Southern Railway has instructed its divisions to inform passengers about the rules via public announcement systems at stations and on trains. This awareness campaign will be carried out in Hindi, English, and various regional languages. Passengers will be urged to refrain from playing videos or music at high volumes and from engaging in loud conversations.

Provisions regarding the disturbance of others in public spaces are also addressed under Section 270 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to the definition of a public nuisance. However, the specific law applicable to any given incident will depend on the facts of the case and the relevant legal provisions.

The objective of this Railway initiative is to spare passengers from noise during their journey and to make travel more comfortable for everyone. Consequently, using earphones while watching videos or listening to music on a mobile phone during a train journey is the better, more considerate option.

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