Kollam (Keralam) | A court has convicted a young man and ordered him to do community service as punishment for flying a drone without permission from the Edava Kappil railway bridge and recording footage of the area -- a highly picturesque location bridging the sea and the backwaters.

The man was convicted under provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 and the Railways Act, 1989, for unauthorised entry onto railway property and public nuisance, the Southern Railways said in a statement.

Highlighting the potential risks to railway infrastructure, electrical installations and public safety, the court imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 and one day of community service, it said.

The court warned that failure to pay the fine will result in imprisonment.

The Southern Railways has asked the public to avoid unauthorised entry onto railway tracks, bridges and restricted areas for photography, videography or drone operations.

"Drone filming involving railway property must be undertaken only after obtaining the necessary permissions from the competent authorities," it said.