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Indian Railways TT Claims Recording On-Duty TTEs Is Punishable By 7-Yr Jailtime After Being Accused Of Soliciting Bribes; Is It Really True?

The video sparked outrage among people online for taking bribes.

by Tooba Shaikh
Indian Railways TT Claims Recording On-Duty TTEs Is Punishable By 7-Yr Jailtime After Being Accused Of Soliciting Bribes; Is It Really True?

A recent incident on a train has ignited public debate after footage went viral online. The video shows a heated exchange between an Indian Railways Train Ticket Examiner or TTE and a passenger. The confrontation, which was shared widely on a social media platform, began when the passenger accused the TTE of demanding bribes for seat allocations. The video sparked outrage among people online for taking bribes. However, they were also angry at the TTE for spreading misinformation.

Indian Railways TTE Accused Of Soliciting Bribery On Train

The video of the argument was shared on X (formerly known as Twitter). The situation escalated when the passenger began filming the interaction. This prompted the TTE to claim that recording an on-duty ticket examiner carried a seven-year prison sentence.

In addition to this, he also claimed that this act also incurs a fine of ₹7,000. When challenged about the legal basis of this assertion with “Where is it written?”, the TTE threateningly responded with “I will show you”, further intensifying the encounter.

The video’s circulation has sparked significant public discourse about corruption in India’s railway system and the abuse of authority by officials. Comments on the post highlighted widespread frustration with corrupt practices in public services, with one user pointedly remarking on the TTE being “caught red-handed with the side hustle”.

Also Read: “Air India Sucks!” X User Shares How The Airline Failed To Load His Bag On Delhi-Bengaluru Flight; Netizens, “This Is Very Normal!”

Is Recording On-Duty TTE A Punishable Offence?

Notably, one comment from Odisha revealed a deeper systemic issue, alleging that some TTEs have amassed significant wealth through corruption, including multiple properties in prime locations. Other users questioned the recruitment and monitoring processes for government employees, with some calling for periodic competency assessments.

Regarding the legality of filming public officials in India, there is no specific law that prohibits citizens from recording on-duty government officials in public spaces. In fact, the right to record public servants performing their duties is generally protected under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression.

The Supreme Court of India has previously upheld citizens’ rights to record public servants, particularly in cases where it might expose corruption or misconduct. The TTE’s claim about a seven-year prison sentence was entirely fabricated.

Also Read: Bengaluru: Netizens Praise Speech-Impaired Driver’s Thoughtfulness To Offer Discounted Airport Trips With Water, Books & More

Social media users have been particularly critical of the TTE’s attempt to intimidate the passenger through false legal claims.

Cover Image Credits: @gharkekalesh/X (Formerly, Twitter)

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First Published: February 01, 2025 5:09 PM