Section 142 of RA, 1989 : Section 142: Penalty For Transfer Of Tickets

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where John, who is not a railway employee or an authorized agent, has purchased a return train ticket for a journey. However, he decides not to use the return portion of the ticket and instead offers to sell it to Mark to make some money. Mark agrees and buys the return half from John.

In this situation, both individuals are in violation of Section 142 of The Railways Act, 1989:

• John is guilty under subsection (1)(a) for selling a ticket and (1)(b) for parting with a ticket reserved for a seat or berth, which he is not authorized to do. He could face imprisonment for up to three months, a fine up to five hundred rupees, or both, and he will also forfeit the ticket.
• Mark, having purchased the ticket from someone other than a railway servant or authorized agent, is guilty under subsection (2). He could face similar punishments as John, and if he attempts to travel with the ticket, he will be deemed to be traveling without a proper ticket and may be further penalized under Section 138 of the Act.

The court is also mandated to impose a minimum fine of two hundred and fifty rupees unless there are special and adequate reasons to do otherwise, which must be clearly stated in the court's judgment.