US EditionNHRC Notice to Railways on Serving of ‘only Halal-Processed Meat’ on Trains
NHRC demands inquiry into exclusive halal meat serving on trains, citing potential violation of constitutional rights and harm to Hindu Scheduled Caste livelihoods, commission said.
- On November 24, 2025, the National Human Rights Commission took suo moto cognisance of a complaint and directed the Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi, to inquire and submit an action-taken report within two weeks.
- Filed by Sunil Ahirwar of Bhopal, the complaint alleges only halal-processed meat is served on Indian Railways trains, causing unfair discrimination and denying Hindu and Sikh passengers food matching their religious beliefs.
- The NHRC pointed to specific constitutional provisions when noting potential violations of Articles 14, 15, 19, 21 and 25, highlighting impacts on livelihoods of Scheduled Caste Hindu communities.
- Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation has denied mandating halal certification, while the National Human Rights Commission emphasised respecting food choices of all religions per the secular spirit of the Constitution amid repeated public complaints.
- Under Section 12 of the 1993 Protection of Human Rights Act, the NHRC examines allegations that may violate equality and secularism principles, implicating non-discrimination and livelihood rights with legal precedents cited such as Olga Tellis and Indian Young Lawyers Association.
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15 Articles
Times of India
The Economic TimesRailways denies policy on Halal-certified meals onboard after NHRC notice
The Railway Board has clarified that Indian Railways does not have any official rule mandating the serving of Halal-certified food. This statement follows a notice from the NHRC regarding a complaint alleging discrimination in non-vegetarian meal processing. Officials confirmed adherence to FSSAI guidelines and stated no policy exists for Halal certification.
Rights Body Issues Notice to Railways Over Serving 'Only Halal Meat'
The NHRC has issued a notice to the Railways over a complaint that "only halal-processed meat" is served in trains, which creates an "unfair discrimination" and amounts to "violations of human rights".
NHRC issues notice to Railway Board over complaints of 'halal meat' being served on trains
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken suo moto cognizance of a complaint regarding the exclusive serving of halal-certified meat in non-vegetarian dishes by Indian Railways. The commission has issued a notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board and asked for an Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks. The complaint and allegations The complainant alleged that the practice of serving only halal meat violates the human rights o…
IRCTC refutes claims of halal-only non-veg meals on trains
IRCTC refutes claims of halal-only non-veg meals on trains New Delhi, Nov 27 (IANS) The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), on Thursday, issued a clarification amid renewed concerns alleging that only Halal-processed meat is being used in non-vegetarian meals served on trains. Responding to the claims, IRCTC reiterated that there are no guidelines mandating Halal certification for meals served on trains. The controversy, whi…
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