The NHRC directed the Chairman of the Railway Board, New Delhi, to investigate the allegations leveled in the complaint and sought an action-taken report within two weeks. Image for illustration only. | Photo credit: The Hindu
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently issued a notice to the Indian Railways over a complaint that it serves “only halal processed meat” in trains, affecting “freedom of choice and religion” for others and creating “unfair discrimination”.
The notice was issued on November 24, 2025 by Bench of NHRC Member Priyank Kanoongo, taking cognizance of a complaint filed by Sunil Ahirwar of Bhopal.
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In his complaint, Mr. Ahirwar said that only halal processed meat was served in the trains as part of non-vegetarian meals, which created unfair discrimination and caused human rights violations. He said the practice of serving only halal meat excluded people from the SC Hindu communities who traditionally worked in the meat trade and therefore harmed their rights to livelihood and equal opportunities.
Mr. Ahirwar alleged that due to this practice, Hindu and Sikh passengers were not given food options that corresponded to their religious beliefs, affecting their freedom of choice and religious rights, violating their rights to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of occupation, right to a dignified life and religious freedom under Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g), 25 of the Constitution
“….is contrary to the principles laid down in the cases of Olga Tellis (1985), Indian Young Lawyers Association (2018), State of Karnataka vs. Appa Balu Ingale (1995) and NHRC v. State of Gujarat (2009). The complainant said that such a policy in a government-run system appears to violate the principles of sought intervention and rights to equality, secularism and secularism. Commission in the matter and sought immediate action,” reads the lawsuit.
The NHRC directed the Chairman of the Railway Board, New Delhi, to investigate the allegations leveled in the complaint and sought an action-taken report within two weeks.
Published – 26 Nov 2025 20:46 IST
