The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) just dropped a big notice. They’re taking action—suo moto cognizance, that is—on a complaint that Indian Railways is exclusively serving halal-certified meat. This is in all the non-vegetarian dishes, let’s be real.
The notice has gone straight to the Chairman of the Railway Board. They want an Action Taken Report, or an ATR, and they want it fast. Two weeks. That’s the deadline.
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The Complaint: Human Rights and Livelihoods
The allegations are serious. The complainant didn’t just target the food choice. They said serving only halal meat violates the human rights of certain communities—Hindus, Sikhs, Scheduled Caste communities, those too.
The thing is, it’s hitting people’s livelihoods. It was argued that this exclusive practice harms those involved in the non-halal meat trade. And then it follows—it denies passengers food options that align with their specific religious beliefs. That’s what draws people there: the principle of choice.
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Constitutional Crisis, Maybe?
The NHRC didn’t pull any punches on the legal side. They noted this practice potentially violates a string of constitutional articles.
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Articles 14 and 15: That’s equality before law and no discrimination based on religion or caste.
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Article 19(1)(g): That’s the freedom to practice any profession.
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Article 21: Right to life, which includes life with dignity.
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Article 25: Religious freedom.
They emphasized the sheer importance of respecting everyone’s food choices. All religions. That’s the core secular spirit of India, right? This is a massive constitutional concern, or nothing.
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Railways’ Position and the Demand for Action
Public debate on this has been running for a while. Multiple complaints have surfaced over time. But here’s the kicker: The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has officially denied mandating halal certification. That’s their formal position.
Regardless of the denial, the NHRC is serious. The seriousness of the complaint mandated this. They directed the Railway Board to submit a detailed report on what steps they are taking. It’s about ensuring inclusive food policies across the board in Indian Railways catering. The whole system needs to respect all communities’ rights. It’s an ongoing directive. They want to see what they’re going to do next.
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