V.B.R.Menon v. The Chairman

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 19.01.2026 CORAM :

THE HONOURABLE MR. MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CHIEF JUSTICE AND THE HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE G.ARUL MURUGAN V.B.R.Menon ..

Petitioner Vs.

1. The Chairman Chennai Metro Rail Limited No.327, Anna Salai, Nandanam Chennai 600 035.

2. The Managing Director Chennai Metro Rail Limited No.327, Anna Salai, Nandanam Chennai 600 035.

..

Respondents Prayer : Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India seeking a writ of Mandamus to direct the Respondents to earmark and provide a reasonable number / percentage of reserved seats in each metro train for the Senior Citizens and Physically Handicapped persons, who use the metro train services in the City of Chennai and suburban areas.

For Petitioner :

Mr.V.B.R.Menon Party-in-Person For Respondents :

Mr.Edwin Prabakar State Government Pleader Assisted by Mr.M.Habeeb Rahman Government Advocate

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by the Hon'ble Chief Justice) This petition has been filed by petitioner seeking issuance of direction to respondent authorities to ensure that appropriate seating arrangements are made for senior citizens and physically handicapped persons who frequently use metro train services.

2. As stated in the writ petition, Customer Care Department of respondent has stated that 14 out of 50 seats in each of the four coaches of metro trains have been identified with special stickers/signage showing dedicated priority seating for senior citizens and physically challenged persons. The grievance, however, is that due to absence of any enforcement mechanism, the purpose

of notifying priority sitting for the aforesaid category of persons is not at all being served.

3. Petitioner-in-person, who himself is a senior citizen, has, therefore, suggested that it would be prudent and practical to remove the priority seating from all the three coaches and instead reserve 45 seats in half portion of any two coaches or reserve one entire coach for the above group as it has been done in the case of ladies. According to him, providing half of two coaches near the entry/exit doors being reserved for these classes of persons would not pose any problem.

4. Learned State counsel would submit that senior citizens, disabled persons or persons suffering from disability and other classes of citizens, including pregnant women, have been provided priority of 14 out of 50 seats in each of the four coaches of the metro train with a special sticker/signage showing dedicated priority seating for such classes of citizens. He would submit that whether this arrangement should continue or the other arrangement, as

suggested by petitioner, should be adopted is essentially a matter to be considered by the concerned authorities regulating seating arrangement in the metro train.

5. After hearing petitioner-in-person and going through various documents and photographs and also statement of facts on affidavit, we find that the grievance appears to be more because, according to petitioner, even though certain seats are earmarked and identified for senior citizens, physically disabled persons and pregnant women, it is not being followed, as, other classes of persons are occupying the seats.

6. In our view, as to what arrangement should be made is essentially in the realm of administrative function and this Court would not substitute the same. We, however, leave it to the authorities to consider the suggestions put forth in this petition.

7. In any case, respondent authorities should, time and again, make a surprise checking to ensure that the seats allotted for senior

citizens, physically handicapped persons, pregnant women etc. are not allowed to be occupied by other classes of persons while passengers of these category standing. A proper action mechanism should be drawn for taking action against those who are violating the aforesaid instructions. Respondent authorities shall issue SOP laying down such mechanism to ensure priority seating, within thirty days. Any complaint made by senior citizen or physically handicapped person or pregnant women regarding lack of access to the facility because of illegal occupation, with material, shall be strictly dealt with by the authorities.

8. Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. (MANINDRA MOHAN SHRIVASTAVA, CJ) (G.ARUL MURUGAN,J) 19.01.2026 Index :

Yes/No Yes/No kpl

To

1. The Chairman Chennai Metro Rail Limited No.327, Anna Salai, Nandanam Chennai 600 035.

2. The Managing Director Chennai Metro Rail Limited No.327, Anna Salai, Nandanam Chennai 600 035.

THE HON'BLE CHIEF JUSTICE AND G.ARUL MURUGAN,J.

(kpl) 19.01.2026