Give samples of coach material: Supreme Court to Railways

The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the railways to produce samples of materials used in its coaches built during 2013-2014.

These samples will be sent to laboratories for examination of toxic content.

A three-judge Bench of Chief Justice H.L. Dattu and Justices Madan B. Lokur and A.K. Sikri gave this fiat on a public interest litigation petition seeking a test of materials used in sleeper coaches for fire and safety standards in the wake of recent fire incidents in trains. The Bench said it would pass further orders on December 2 after the receipt of the samples. The petitioner, advocate Abhay Singh, said the materials used in cushions, cushion covers, curtains, flooring and wood partitioning are sub-standard.