Section 131 (MVA 1988) – Precautions at unguarded railway level crossing

Motor Vehicles Act , 1988

Section 131 – Precautions at unguarded railway level crossing ([India Code][2])

🔹 Short Note (Hindi)

Section 131 kehta hai ki agar railway crossing par koi gatekeeper ya signal na ho, toh driver ko khud rukkar safety check karna hota hai. Bina dekhے cross karna khatarnak aur illegal hai.

🔹 Detailed Explanation (English + Hindi)

This section ensures safety at railway crossings jahan gate, signal ya guard present nahi hota.
Motor vehicle driver ko:

• Crossing ke pehle rukna hota hai
• Track dono taraf dekhna hota hai
• Awaaz ya horn se train ka andaza lagana hota hai
• Sirf tab cross karna jab clear ho

Agar driver bina check kiye aage badhta hai aur accident ho jaye, toh legal liability uski hogi.

🔹 Main Conditions

1. Crossing par signal, gatekeeper ya barrier na ho
2. Driver ko vehicle rokhna compulsory hai
3. Left aur right dono taraf dekhna
4. Safe hone par hi vehicle lekar cross karna
5. Rule violate karne par challan ya prosecution ho sakta hai

🔹 Legal Meaning (Simple Terms)

Jab railway crossing unguarded hai, toh driver khud zimmedar hota hai safety ensure karne ke liye. Bina ruke cross karna kanooni aur jaan both ke liye danger hai.

🔹 Example

Amit gaon ke ek unguarded railway crossing par bina dekhe cross kar raha tha. Train achanak aa gayi aur accident होते होते बचा. Police ne Section 131 ke tahat usko challan kiya.

🔹 Key Legal Points

• Applies to all types of vehicles
• “Stop, Look, and Proceed” is mandatory
• Even 2-wheelers and tractors covered
• Accident ki situation me driver ki galti mani jayegi
• Courts ne is section ko strict liability ki tarah treat kiya hai

🔹 Nyay Neeti Advice

• Hamesha crossing par vehicle roko — chahe koi signal na ho
• Train ka horn, light aur vibration check karo
• Jaldi ya laziness accident ka reason nahi banni chahiye
• Law safety ke liye hai, formality ke liye nahi

🔹 Summary Table