Bibek Debroy  Last Updated at April 6, 2018 05:54 IST

http://mybs.in/2Vm3m7o

There is a Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1966, amended in 2012. This defines railway property — “any good, money or valuable security or animal, belonging to, or in the charge or possession of, a railway administration”. National Crime Records Bureau has data on crime (latest year being 2016). For railways, there are few cases under Railway Property (Unlawful Possession) Act. There are many more under Indian Railways Act, 1989, primarily, though not exclusively, for ticketing violations. For example, destruction of railway property is covered under Indian Railways Act, not stealing it. The 1989 definition of railway property includes “railway track, bridges, station, buildings and installations, carriages or wagons, locomotives, signaling, telecommunications, electric traction and block equipment”. When we hear of railway property being stolen, we have a mental image of that railway property. This is a quote from a judgment. “Thereafter they searched the house of the accused in presence of the independent witness where eight items, that is, ERC (elastic rail clip) in 44 pieces, metal liner in three pieces, two-way key in 16 pieces, fish plate in two pieces, dog spike in four pieces, hook bolt in one pieces, nuts six pieces and overhead wire 20 meters were recovered.” We will think of track lead wires, copper, fittings, signaling tools, clamps and stores, some of which will find its way into a scrap market. Perhaps even goods entrusted to railways for carriage.

TO READ THE FULL STORY, SUBSCRIBE NOW NOW AT JUST RS 249 A MONTH.

Please wait while you are being redirected to the next page.

Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information and commentary on developments that are of interest to you and have wider political and economic implications for the country and the world. Your encouragement and constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve and commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed and updated with credible news, authoritative views and incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance. We, however, have a request. As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better and more relevant content. We believe in free, fair and credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed. Support quality journalism and subscribe to Business Standard . Digital Editor

Copyrights © 2022 Business Standard Private Ltd. All rights reserved.

Business Standard is happy to inform you of the launch of "Business Standard Premium Services"

As a premium subscriber you get an across device unfettered access to a range of services which include:

Welcome to the premium services of Business Standard brought to you courtesy FIS. Kindly visit the Manage my subscription page to discover the benefits of this programme. Enjoy Reading! Team Business Standard