The High Court on Wednesday issued a rule asking why a separate compartment for women, children, elderly persons and physically challenged passengers in every train should not be allocated to ensure their safety.

The HC bench of Justice Farah Mahbub and Justice SM Maniruzzaman came up with the rule following a writ petition.

Secretaries of the Railway and Home Ministries, director general and inspector of railway department have been made respondents in the rule.

They have been asked to explain within four weeks.

Supreme Court lawyer Mamtaz Parvin filed the writ on January 13 seeking necessary directives.

Lawyer Ajmol Hossain Khokon stood in the court on behalf of the writ petitioner.