What is Section 138 of Railways?
The Indian Railways Act, 1989 contains various sections which deal with the operation of railways, security, ticketing, penalties, offences etc.
What is Section 138 of Railways?
Charging extra fee and fare for travelling without proper pass or ticket or for travelling beyond the authorised distance.
Under the Indian Railways Act, 1989, both Sections 137 and 138 deal with travelling without ticket, but the conditions and penalties for both are different.
Difference between Section 138 and Section 137 of Railways
Section 137 – Fraud to obtain ticket
If a person intentionally tries to obtain a ticket by fraud or falsehood, it is an offence under Section 137.
Penalty:
Imprisonment up to 6 months or
Fine up to Rs 1,000, or
Both
Examples:
Obtaining concessional ticket by giving false identity
Obtaining ticket by submitting fake documents
Giving false information to obtain ticket
Section 138 – Travelling without ticket
If a person travels in a train without a ticket or on a false ticket, it comes under Section 138.
Penalty:
Actual fare +
Maximum fine of ₹250 (or whatever the fare is, whichever is higher)
If the passenger refuses to pay the fine, he can be arrested and produced in court.
Examples:
Boarding a train without a ticket
Travelling in a reserved coach with a general ticket
Using someone else's ticket
Important information:
The Ticket Checking Officer (TTE) has the right to deboard a ticketless passenger at the next station or charge a fine.
If the passenger does not pay, he can face judicial punishment.
