A senior citizen couple has emerged victorious in a legal battle against South Western Railway, securing a refund after a three-year dispute. The couple had initially been denied a refund for a train journey they were unable to undertake due to severe overcrowding.

The incident occurred when the elderly couple, holding reserved tickets, arrived at the station ready to board their train. However, they found the train compartment to be excessively crowded, making it impossible for them to board. Despite possessing valid tickets, they were left with no option but to abandon their journey.

Subsequently, the couple sought a refund from South Western Railway, but their request was turned down. Unwilling to accept this decision, they decided to pursue legal action, leading to a protracted three-year court battle.

The case highlights the challenges faced by passengers, particularly senior citizens, when attempting to board overcrowded trains despite holding reserved tickets. It also raises questions about the responsibilities of railway authorities in managing overcrowding and assisting passengers with boarding.

In a similar case, a Bengaluru consumer court ruled that passengers bear the responsibility to board crowded trains, even with reserved tickets. This ruling came in response to another elderly couple's claim for damages after missing their train due to overcrowding. The court stated that railway staff are not explicitly obligated to help passengers board trains. This earlier case underscores the complexities and varying legal interpretations surrounding passenger rights and railway responsibilities in situations of overcrowding.