07 Jun, 2025
SC To Indian Railways: Use Tech To Prevent Consignment Weight Disputes
New Delhi, June 7, 2025 — The Supreme Court of India has advised Indian Railways to adopt modern technological solutions such as automated videography and calibrated weighing systems to prevent disputes over excess weight in freight consignments.
The observation came from a bench comprising Justices Surya Kant while hearing a civil appeal filed by the Union of India against a 2017 Gauhati High Court judgment. The High Court had quashed a demand notice issued to Megha Technical and Engineers Pvt. Ltd. for ₹10.61 lakh in alleged penal freight for excess weight in a consignment of dry fly ash.
While noting that the issue had become “academic” as the amount was already paid, the top court took the opportunity to call for institutional reforms within the railway freight system. “Railways need to evolve with the times. Technological tools must be used to avoid unnecessary litigation and ensure fairness,” the Court said.
It recommended measures such as:
• Installation of automated video recording during loading and unloading,
• Use of digital weight tracking systems, and
• Transparent electronic documentation at all stages of cargo handling.
The Court referred to its earlier ruling in Jagjit Cotton Textile Mills vs. Chief Commercial Superintendent (1998), holding that demanding penal freight without prior notice is not unconstitutional. However, it emphasized the need to match such powers with modern procedural safeguards.
The apex court dismissed the appeal but underlined that upgrading infrastructure and using objective evidence collection will strengthen trust between the Railways and freight users.
Case Details
• Case Title: Union of India vs. Megha Technical and Engineers Pvt. Ltd.
• Case No.: Civil Appeal No. 6045 of 2024
• Date of Judgment: June 7, 2025
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