The Madras High Court upheld the Indian Railways' rule that restricts sleeping berth use in reserved coaches to between 10 PM and 6 AM, dismissing an appeal filed by a Chennai resident.

In reviewing Para 652(a) of the Indian Railway Commercial Manual, the court found that the petitioner's challenge—triggered when his unwell wife was denied a sleeping berth outside the prescribed hours—was based on an isolated incident and did not warrant invalidating the rule.

Under the rule, berths must be used as seating for the rest of the day, while only the 10 PM to 6 AM window allows passengers to sleep. The manual also sets aside safeguards for pregnant women, persons with disabilities and sick passengers.

The court noted that the petitioner could have sought assistance from RPF or other railway officials when his wife's situation arose, reiterating that the rule serves public interest by ensuring comfort for all ticketed passengers.