The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Railway Board after receiving a complaint alleging that Indian Railways serves only halal-processed meat on its trains, which, they alleged, creates "unfair discrimination" and violates the rights of passengers who follow other religious practices.
In its proceedings dated November 24, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) observed that the allegations raised in a complaint against Indian Railways suggest a "prima facie violation of human rights."
This NHRC intervention comes at a time when there is a rising Hindutva-driven campaign targeting halal certification across BJP-ruled states.
The complaint, submitted by Bhopal resident Sunil Ahirwar, contends that serving only halal-processed meat on trains discriminates against passengers of other faiths and adversely impacts the livelihood of Hindu Dalit communities traditionally involved in the meat trade.
Ahirwar argued that by favouring a single method of meat processing, the Railways is effectively denying these communities equal economic opportunities.
He also claimed that Hindu and Sikh passengers are left without food options that align with their religious practices, thereby infringing upon their constitutional rights to equality, non-discrimination, religious freedom, and dignity.
The complaint cites violations of Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g), 21 and 25 of the Constitution, along with several Supreme Court judgments.
Taking note of these concerns, an NHRC bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo directed its registry to issue a notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board.
The Railways has been instructed to conduct an inquiry into the allegations and submit an action-taken report within two weeks. Emphasising the secular obligations of a government-run service, the Commission stated that the Railways must respect the dietary choices of passengers from all religious backgrounds.
The NHRC further remarked that restricting sales to halal meat could "badly affect" the livelihoods of Hindu Scheduled Caste groups and other non-Muslim communities involved in the sector.
As of now, railway authorities have not publicly responded to the notice.
The complainant urged swift intervention from the Commission, arguing that the alleged policy contradicts constitutional principles of equality, secularism, and the right to livelihood in a public service operated by the government.
Directing the Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi, to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into, the NHRC sought an action-taken report within two weeks.
NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the Commission had received complaints from two organisations, the Legal Rights Observatory and the Dr. Ambedkar Public Welfare Committee, alleging that only halal-slaughtered meat is being sold on trains, at stations, and on railway platforms across India.
"When we examined the complaint, we found that, according to Islamic religious scholars, only a Muslim can carry out halal slaughter," he said, adding that the complainants argued this effectively denies passengers who do not consume halal meat the right to choose their food while travelling on the Railways.
"As a government organisation, the Railways cannot discriminate against an entire community by selling only halal meat products," he stated, stressing that selling food based on religious considerations in a secular nation is "discriminatory" and that such a practice must end to uphold India's secular fabric.