NHRC Flags Possible Rights Violation Over Railways Serving Only Halal Meat
Commission seeks a detailed report from the Railway Board after complaints of discrimination.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Railway Board after receiving complaints that Indian Railways is serving only halal-processed meat on trains and at station outlets. The complainants allege that this practice amounts to discrimination and violates the rights of passengers who follow other religious dietary preferences.
In its order dated November 24, the NHRC said the allegations point to a “prima facie violation of human rights” and require an urgent response from the Railways. The intervention also comes at a time when several BJP-ruled states have witnessed campaigns against halal certification.
The primary complaint was filed by Bhopal resident Sunil Ahirwar, who argued that limiting food services to halal meat not only restricts dietary choices for Hindu and Sikh passengers but also harms the livelihood of Hindu Dalit communities traditionally involved in meat processing. He claimed that by allowing only halal-certified products, the Railways is indirectly denying equal economic opportunity to these groups.
Ahirwar’s petition cites violations of Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g), 21 and 25 of the Constitution, along with several Supreme Court rulings that protect both religious freedom and the right to livelihood.
Taking cognizance of the issue, an NHRC bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo directed the Railway Board to investigate the claims and submit an action-taken report within two weeks. The Commission emphasised that a government-run service must remain neutral and ensure that passengers of all faiths have access to food options that respect their beliefs.
The NHRC also noted that restricting the sale of meat to halal-only products could “badly affect” the income of Hindu Scheduled Caste groups and other non-Muslim communities working in the meat sector.
Kanoongo said the Commission had received additional complaints from the Legal Rights Observatory and the Dr. Ambedkar Public Welfare Committee, both alleging that only halal-slaughtered meat is being sold across the railway network. He added that, according to the complainants, Islamic scholars maintain that halal slaughter must be performed only by Muslims—creating further concern about unequal access and religious preference in a secular public service.
“As a government organisation, the Railways cannot discriminate against an entire community by selling only halal meat products,” Kanoongo said, calling the practice inconsistent with India’s secular framework.
