NHRC Issues Notice To Railways on Exclusive Serving of Halal Meat, Flags Human Rights Concerns

The NHRC has issued a notice to the Railway Board and IRCTC following a complaint that serving only halal meat on trains prima facie violates human rights.

The complainant alleged that the practice restricts food choice for passengers, particularly Hindu, Sikh, and Scheduled Caste communities traditionally engaged in the meat trade.

Acting under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Commission sought clarification from the authorities on why only halal meat is provided and whether alternative options are available.

The NHRC has directed the authorities to submit an action taken report within two weeks.