Obstructing running of train, etc
Section 174 of the Railways Act, 1989 deals with obstructing running of train, etc. If any railway servant (whether on duty or otherwise) or any other person obstructs or causes to be obstructed or attempts to obstruct any train or other rolling stock upon a railway,-- (a) by squatting or picketing or during any rail roko agitation or bandh; The Act came into force on 01 Jul 1990.
If any railway servant (whether on duty or otherwise) or any other person obstructs or causes to be obstructed or attempts to obstruct any train or other rolling stock upon a railway,--
(a) by squatting or picketing or during any rail roko agitation or bandh; or
(b) by keeping without authority any rolling stock on the railway; or
(c) by tampering with, disconnecting or interfering in any other manner with its hose pipe or tampering with signal gear or otherwise,
he shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to two thousand rupees, or with both.
Section 174, The Railways Act, 1989 (Act 24 of 1989).
Related judgements & precedents
These are some judgments that construed this section, and hold precedence value. They hold authority on how to read, interpret and use this section.
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Sivasankaran v. Union of India (RPF)
Court's Decision & Legal Precedent
Proceedings under Railways Act ss.147 & 174(a) for platform/track protest quashed: peaceful democratic protest without intention to unlawfully trespass or wilfully obstruct train does not attract trespass offence; continuation is abuse of process (BNSS s.528). DATE-verified Final Order 21.03.2025.
On this section: s.174 — Obstructing running of train (squatting/picketing); intent/wilfulness required
The holding above is the ratio decidendi as extracted from the judgment by eCourts India, reproduced unaltered — it is a rendering of the court's reasoning, not a substitute for its words. Read the order itself before relying on it.
Questions about Section 174
What have the courts held on Section 174 of the Railways Act?
Sivasankaran v. Union of India (RPF) (21 Mar 2025) is the leading judgment on this section among those set out below: s.174 — Obstructing running of train (squatting/picketing); intent/wilfulness required.
How do I find court cases under Section 174 of the Railways Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Railways Act 1989 174, section 174 Railways Act 1989, section 174 of the Railways Act. People searching for it also type railway act 174 c in hindi and railway act 174. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome. 1 reported judgment on this section is set out on this page, beginning with Sivasankaran v. Union of India (RPF) (21 Mar 2025).
When did Section 174 of the Railways Act come into force?
Section 174 of the Railways Act, cited as Railways Act 1989 174, came into force on 01 Jul 1990, having been enacted on 03 Jun 1989. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 2. Definitions1289 words
- 90. Disposal of unremoved goods at notified stations852 words
- 20F. Determination of amount payable as compensation652 words
- 89. Power to declare notified stations529 words
- 138. Levy of excess charge and fare for travelling without proper pass or ticket or beyond authorised distance492 words
- 16. Accommodation works485 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.