Text of Section 157:
If any passenger wilfully alters or defaces his pass or ticket so as to render the date, number, or any material portion thereof illegible, he shall be punishable with:
- Imprisonment for a term which may extend to three months, or
- Fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or
- Both.
Explanation and Analysis of Section 157:
1. Alteration or Defacement of Tickets or Passes:
- This section addresses the unauthorized alteration or defacement of a railway pass or ticket.
- Altering or defacing a pass or ticket could include actions such as:
- Changing the date or other details.
- Making portions of the ticket or pass illegible, particularly information like the number, date, or class of travel.
2. Intentional Act (Wilful):
- The key element here is that the act must be wilful. That is, the passenger intends to alter or deface the ticket or pass.
- Accidental damage or wear does not fall under this section; it focuses only on deliberate actions.
3. Penalties:
- The law provides for the following punishments:
- Imprisonment: A term of up to three months.
- Fine: Up to five hundred rupees.
- Both: A combination of imprisonment and fine can be imposed depending on the case.
4. Importance of Ticket Integrity:
- The integrity of the ticket or pass is vital for railway operations, as it ensures that:
- The correct fare is paid.
- The rightful holder uses the pass or ticket.
- Altering or defacing tickets or passes could potentially enable fraudulent activities such as evading fares or misusing tickets.
Key Points for Consideration:
- Deliberate Actions: Only intentional alterations are penalized, meaning passengers who accidentally damage or mark their tickets in a non-intentional manner will not face penalties under this section.
- Security and Fraud Prevention: The section helps maintain the authenticity and security of railway travel documents (tickets and passes), ensuring that they are not tampered with to facilitate fraud.
- Wide Scope: The provision covers alterations or defacement of any material portion of the pass or ticket, including the date, number, and other critical details.
Conclusion:
Section 157 of the Railways Act, 1989 addresses the issue of deliberate alteration or defacement of railway tickets and passes. The section seeks to maintain the integrity and authenticity of tickets and passes, which are crucial for ensuring proper railway operations. Passengers found wilfully altering or damaging their tickets may face penalties including imprisonment, a fine, or both, in order to deter fraudulent or unlawful behavior related to railway travel.
