Delhi High Court seeks response on online lower-berth booking for pregnant women

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to the Union Government, the Railway Board, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) regarding a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning railway berth reservations. The petition, filed by advocate Anunay Sahay, seeks an online mechanism for pregnant women to book lower berths through the IRCTC website and mobile application.

Under current railway policy, pregnant women are eligible for preferential lower-berth consideration. However, the petition alleges that while other eligible categories can access these facilities digitally, pregnant women are currently required to visit a physical Passenger Reservation System (PRS) counter and provide medical certification. The plea argues that this requirement creates avoidable hardship and constitutes a discriminatory barrier compared to other categories that can use the digital platform.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia has requested responses from the authorities. The matter is scheduled for a hearing on September 30.