Overview
- The NHRC issued a notice to the Railway Board over a passenger complaint alleging trains serve only halal-processed meat in non-vegetarian meals.
- A bench led by member Priyank Kanoongo said the allegation prima facie raises a human-rights concern and took cognisance under Section 12 of the 1993 Act.
- The complaint argues the practice denies Hindu and Sikh travellers dietary choice and harms livelihoods of Hindu Scheduled Caste and other non-Muslim meat traders, citing constitutional rights.
- The Railway Board responded that there is no official provision to serve Halal-certified food and said Indian Railways and IRCTC follow FSSAI guidelines.
- Officials pointed to a recent CIC matter noting no records within IRCTC of any halal-certification policy, as the Railways prepares its action taken report for the NHRC.