Southern Railway warns against disruptive phone use on trains

Southern Railway has directed its divisions to warn passengers that loud phone audio and conversations that disturb others may lead to penalties, while starting an awareness campaign through public announcements and notices, according to reports describing a circular dated October 6. The circular addresses music and videos played through mobile-phone speakers, as well as loud conversations on trains and railway premises. It calls for passengers to be informed that conduct causing a nuisance to fellow travellers can prompt railway action. The reports say the campaign is intended to encourage quieter phone use and the use of earphones. The penalties cited in reports include a fine of up to Rs 1,000 for nuisance. They also describe the possibility of simple imprisonment for up to six months and/or a fine of up to Rs 5,000 if the conduct continues after an authorised railway official has warned the passenger. These are reported provisions; the articles do not document a case in which a passenger was penalised under the circular. Reports also describe removal from railway premises as a possible response to nuisance. The stated threshold is disruptive conduct, not ordinary...