Text of Section 158:
Any person under whose authority any railway servant is employed in contravention of any of the provisions of Chapter XIV or of the rules made thereunder, shall be punishable with a fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
Explanation and Analysis of Section 158:
1. Focus on Authority and Employment:
- This section holds supervisory authorities accountable for ensuring that railway servants comply with the provisions of Chapter XIV of the Railways Act, 1989, and any rules made under it.
- If a railway servant is found violating these provisions or rules, the person who employed or authorized the railway servant to act in this manner can be penalized.
2. Chapter XIV:
- Chapter XIV of the Railways Act deals with passengers’ rights, safety, and conduct, including penalties for violations by passengers or railway employees.
- Violations under this chapter could include issues like fare evasion, mismanagement of passengers, or other safety and operational concerns.
3. Penalty:
- The penalty for the contravention of this provision is a fine up to five hundred rupees.
- This means that if a supervisory authority (the person who holds responsibility for the railway servant’s employment) fails to ensure compliance with Chapter XIV’s provisions, they can face a fine.
4. Responsibility of the Supervisory Authority:
- This section highlights the responsibility of the higher authority or employer to ensure their employees (railway servants) follow the law.
- It is aimed at ensuring that there is proper oversight and accountability for the actions of railway servants.
Key Points for Consideration:
- Responsibility of Authority: The supervisory authority or employer is held accountable for the actions of their railway servants. If a railway servant breaks the rules of Chapter XIV, the person in charge may be fined.
- Relates to Compliance: The penalty is meant to enforce compliance with railway laws and rules, making sure that railway employees follow the regulations to ensure safety, efficiency, and proper conduct in railway operations.
- Amount of Fine: The fine is relatively modest, at five hundred rupees, suggesting a corrective rather than punitive approach for the employer.
Conclusion:
Section 158 of the Railways Act, 1989 holds supervisory authorities accountable for the contravention of provisions in Chapter XIV of the Act by railway servants. If a railway servant violates these provisions, the person under whose authority they are employed may be fined up to five hundred rupees. This provision ensures that there is oversight and accountability within the railway system, encouraging proper conduct and adherence to safety and operational guidelines.
