Supreme Court Affirms Applicability of Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923 to Railway Protection Force (RPF) Members
In a significant legal decision delivered on September 26, 2023, a bench comprising Hon’ble Justices B.V. Nagarathna and Manoj Misra ruled on a crucial matter regarding the applicability of the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923, to members of the Railway Protection Force (RPF). The judgment affirmed the applicability of the 1923 Act to RPF members.
The central issue before the bench was whether provisions of the 1923 Act apply to a member of the RPF. After a thorough examination of the relevant statutes and legal provisions, the court concluded that there was no clear legislative intent to exclude members of the RPF from the benefits of compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923. The court’s observation on this matter was clear: “Whether provisions of the 1923 Act apply to a member of the RPF.”
Additionally, the judgment considered the availability of an alternative remedy under the Railway Protection Force Act, 1957. The court noted that Section 128 of the 1989 Act expressly saved the right to claim compensation under the Workmen’s Compensation Act, 1923. Therefore, the existence of an alternative remedy did not bar a claim under the 1923 Act.
This landmark decision is expected to have far-reaching implications for members of the RPF and their entitlement to compensation in case of injuries or accidents during the course of their duties. The ruling provides clarity on the legal framework surrounding compensation for RPF personnel.
The case, which involved a comprehensive analysis of statutory provisions and constitutional principles, referred to relevant precedents, including the 1989 Supreme Court case of “Ramesh Birch and others v. Union of India and others.”
The judgment’s outcome brings clarity and relief to members of the RPF and underscores the importance of a fair and equitable compensation system for all railway personnel, in line with the principles of justice and welfare.
Date of Decision: September 26, 2023
COMMANDING OFFICER, RAILWAY PROTECTION SPECIAL FORCE, MUMBAI vs BHAVNABEN DINSHBHAI
BHABHOR & OTHERS
