NHRC notice to Indian Railways over ‘only halal meat’ policy on trains

New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Indian Railways over a complaint alleging that "only halal-processed meat" is served on trains, creating "unfair discrimination" and amounting to "violations of human rights." The complaint further claims that this practice excludes Hindu Dalit communities, who traditionally work in the meat trade, thereby affecting their livelihood and equal opportunities. There has been no immediate response from the railway authorities.

In proceedings dated November 24, the NHRC stated that the allegations appear prima facie to be violations of human rights. The commission noted that the exclusive sale of halal meat "badly affects" the livelihood of Hindu Scheduled Caste communities and other non-Muslim groups. As a government agency, the Railways must respect the right to food choice for people of all religious faiths, "as per the secular spirit of the Constitution of India." A bench led by NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo has taken cognisance of the complaint filed by Sunil Ahirwar from Bhopal under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The NHRC directed its registry to issue a notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board, New Delhi, instructing an inquiry into the allegations and submission of an action taken report within two weeks.

According to the case proceedings, the complainant alleges that "Indian Railways serves only halal-processed meat in non-vegetarian meals, which creates unfair discrimination and causes human-rights violations." Furthermore, the complainant claims that "Hindu and Sikh passengers do not get food options that match their religious beliefs, affecting their freedom of choice and religious rights which violates their rights to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of profession, right to life with dignity and religious freedom under Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g), 21 and 25 of the Constitution."

The complainant referenced the principles laid down in precedent cases, including Olga Tellis (1985), Indian Young Lawyers Association (2018), State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1995), and NHRC v. State of Gujarat (2009). He argued that the policy in a government-run system appears to "violate" the principles of equality, secularism, non-discrimination, and the right to livelihood. The complainant has sought the commission's intervention and urged urgent action in the matter.

With inputs from PTI