The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) recently issued notice to the Railway Board on a complaint regarding the use of only halal certified meat in non-vegetarian dishes served in trains.

A Bench of NHRC presided by Member Priyank Kanoongo opined that the practice of using only halal meat prima facie amounts to a violation of human rights.

The Bench further opined that it affects the livelihood of the Scheduled Caste Hindu communities and other non-Muslim communities who work in the meat trade. It also said that the Railways ought to respect the food choices of people belonging to all religions.

"The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of the human rights of the people, as the practice of selling only Halal meat badly affects the livelihood of the Hindu SC communities, other non-Muslims communities and also the Railway as the government agency should respect the rights to choice of food of the people belongs to all the religious faith, as per the secular spirit of the Constitution of India [sic]," the NHRC notice stated.

The notice was issued on a complaint alleging that the Railways use of halal meat exclusively creates unfair discrimination especially against Scheduled Caste Hindu communities who traditionally work in the meat trade.

The complainant also contended that Hindu and Sikh passengers do not get food options that match their religious beliefs. This, according to the complainant, affects violates their rights to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of profession, right to life with dignity and religious freedom under Articles 14, 15. 19(1)(g), 21 and 25 of the Constitution of India.

The NHRC took cognizance of the issue raised in the complaint under Section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

It also issued notice to the Chairman of the Railway Board and called for an Action Taken Report to be submitted within two weeks.