Rs 2,000 fine for begging, Rs 1,000 for drunken nuisance: Laxmikanta Chawla questions Railway Ministry’s penalty structure
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 22, 2026: Senior BJP leader and former Punjab minister Prof Laxmikanta Chawla has questioned the penalty structure prescribed by the Railway Ministry for various offences, particularly the higher fine imposed for begging or unauthorised vending compared with drunken nuisance on railway premises.
Chawla said the Railway Ministry’s provision of imposing fines for certain offences, aimed at helping accused persons avoid lengthy court proceedings and trials, may appear to be a practical initiative. However, she said the varying amounts prescribed for different offences raise questions about whether the penalties are proportionate to the nature of the offence and the financial condition of those being penalised.
According to the provisions referred to by Chawla, a fine of ₹2,000 is prescribed for a person found begging or selling goods without permission at a railway station or on a train.
In comparison, a ₹1,000 fine is prescribed for a person who creates a disturbance on railway premises or in a train after consuming alcohol.
Chawla questioned whether the penalty structure adequately reflects the seriousness of the respective offences.
She also raised concerns about the ability of people who depend on begging for their livelihood to pay a ₹2,000 fine.
“How will a person who earns his living by begging pay a fine of ₹2,000?” she asked, pointing out that failure to pay could potentially create further difficulties for such people.
Chawla further pointed out that a person entering railway premises without a platform ticket is liable to a ₹500 fine, making the difference in penalties another issue that, according to her, requires examination.
She urged the Railway Ministry to review the prescribed fines, taking into consideration both the seriousness of an offence and the financial circumstances of the person involved.
Chawla said stronger action should be taken against offences involving violence and drug-related behaviour, while a more humane approach should be adopted towards economically vulnerable people.
She appealed to the Railway Ministry to examine the penalty structure with the twin considerations of proportionality and social sensitivity, so that fines imposed for railway offences are not unduly burdensome for people from economically weaker sections.