Voice Of India Through Chairman vs D.M.R.C. Ltd & Others
2009 Latest Caselaw 214 Del

*    IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI

+    W.P.(C) No. 363/2009

                               Date of Decision: 21th January, 2009

     VOICE OF INDIA THR. CHAIRMAN      ..... Petitioner.
                   Through Ms.Suresh Kumari Dalija, Mr.Ajay K.
                   Dutta, Advocates.

                 versus

     D.M.R.C. LTD & ORS                ..... Respondents
                    Through Mr. Atul Chitale, Ms.Shewata
                    Majumdar, Advocates for Respondent-1.
                    Ms.Jyoti Singh, advocate for respondent no.2.
                    Mr.Sanjay Katyal, advocate for respondent
                    no.3.

     CORAM:
     HON'BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE
     HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJIV KHANNA

               O R D E R

%

The question with regard to toilet facilities in Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (hereinafter referred to as DMRC, for short) stations was raised in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1521/2007 titled Mahinder Kumar Ahuja versus Delhi Metro Rail Coporation. The said petition was disposed of on 18th July, 2008 on the basis of counter affidavit and additional affidavit filed by DMRC. The Division Bench had observed that it is not for the Courts to decide where the toilets in the metro stations will be located and whether toilets should be erected in paid area or outside turnstiles. It was held that these are matters for DMRC to decide keeping in view hygiene, cleanliness, public convenience and other aspects. DMRC had also stated that in some stations due to space constraints, it was not possible to provide toilet facilities to the commuters but staff toilets within the station area/concourse level are available and can be used by commuters in case of emergency.

2. As regards the other contention raised in the petition with regard to drinking water facility, shortage of coin/petty cash, sitting arrangements, etc. is concerned, it is open to the petitioner to point out specific instances to DMRC. We may note that as per information supplied by DMRC in their letter dated 25.7.2008 it has been mentioned that drinking water facilities are available on all stations on payment basis. They have stated that 556 number of counter/windows are installed in metro stations for which services of 665 clerks have been engaged. DMRC has clarified that first aid facility is being provided free of cost at all stations. DMRC has also stated that they have installed one or two metal detectors in each metro station, keeping in view the flow of passenger traffic and all the metal detectors are working properly.

3. We find no merit in the present Petition which is stated to have been filed as a Public Interest Litigation. Dismissed.

CHIEF JUSTICE

SANJIV KHANNA, J.

JANUARY 21, 2009 P/VKR