The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board, taking cognizance of a complaint alleging that only 'halal meat' is served in Indian Railways. The Commission has directed that a detailed report, i.e., an Action Taken Report, on the steps taken in this regard be submitted within two weeks.
New Delhi: A major national-level controversy has erupted over allegations that only 'halal meat' is served in Indian Railways' catering services. Taking cognizance of the complaint received on this issue, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board, demanding a detailed Action Taken Report (ATR) within two weeks.
This matter is no longer limited to catering policy; it is now being viewed in connection with religious freedom, equal opportunity, and human rights, which has increased both its sensitivity and seriousness.
What is the whole matter?
The complaint submitted to the NHRC alleges that only meat prepared according to the halal method is served in Indian Railways' catering services. The complainant states that this violates the rights of consumers from Hindu, Sikh, and Scheduled Caste communities, as options consistent with their religious and cultural beliefs are not being provided.
The complaint further states that due to the mandatory nature of halal meat, meat traders associated with Hindu, Sikh, and Scheduled Caste communities are not getting equal opportunities to supply to the Railways, thereby affecting their economic and professional rights.
NHRC's Strict Stance
Given the seriousness of the complaint, the NHRC immediately took cognizance of the matter and issued a formal notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board. The Commission has clearly instructed that full details of the steps taken by the Railways in this entire matter be submitted in writing to the Commission within two weeks. According to the NHRC, this case is not only related to the religious freedom of consumers but also to fundamental human rights such as equal business opportunities and non-discrimination.
This is not the first time a controversy has arisen over only halal meat being served in the Railways. Social organizations and some political groups have raised questions about this previously.
However, the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has previously clarified that it does not mandate any specific religious method and that catering services operate according to prescribed rules and tender conditions. IRCTC has maintained that there is no official requirement for halal certification, but complaints regarding the ground reality have repeatedly surfaced.
