The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken Suo motu cognizance under Section 12 of the Protection of Human rights Act, 1993 after a complaint alleged that the Indian Railways serves only Halal-processed meat in its non-vegetarian meals.

A Bench of National Human Rights Commission, presided by Shri Priyank Kanoongo, Hon'ble Member, has directed the Chairman, Railway Board to inquire into the allegations and submit an Action Taken report in two weeks.

The complainant claimed that this practice results in unfair discrimination and violates the rights of various communities. The notice read, "The complainant alleged that the Indian Railways serves only halal-processed meat in non- vegetarian meals, which creates unfair discrimination and causes human-rights violations. The complainant further alleged that this practice excludes people from Hindu SC communities, who traditionally work in the meat trade and therefore harms their livelihood rights and equal opportunities."

The complainant further alleged that, "The complainant also alleged 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, and is contrary to the principles laid down in cases of Olga Tellis (1985), Indian Young Lawyers Association (2018), State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1995) and NHRC v. State of Gujarat (2009)."

The complainant stated that such a policy in a government-run system appears to violate the principles of equality, secularism, non-discrimination, and the right to livelihood.

The Commission noted that, "the allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the people, as the practice of selling only Halal meet badly affects the livelihood of the Hindu SC communities, other non-Muslims communities and also the Railway as the Govt. agency, should respect the Rights to choice of food of the people belongs to all the religious faith, as per the secular spirit of the Constitution of India."

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Suchita Shukla

Associate Editor

Suchita Shukla is an Associate Editor at Verdictum, with a strong foundation in legal research and writing, she brings over 4.5 years of experience to the table, having honed her skills in the dynamic field of law. She covers Supreme Court and High Courts. She completed her BA-LLB (Hons.) 5-year course with specialisation in Intellectual Property rights from Galgotias University. Since 2019, apart from having worked at a legal publishing house she has also ventured into legal journalism.