Archive · 28 Nov 2025
Railways deny halal-only meat policy in trains
The Indian Railways has told the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) that they do not have a policy to serve only halal-certified meat in trains.
The NHRC had received a complaint saying that only halal meat was being served, which might violate the rights of Hindu and Sikh passengers.
The Railways said they follow the rules set by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) and do not have any special rule for halal meat.
The NHRC asked the Railways to respect the food choices of all religious groups and to report back on what they have done about this issue.
Indian Railways denies having a policy to serve only halal-certified meat in trains.
NHRC sought Railways' response to a complaint alleging violation of rights due to halal-only meat.
Complaint alleged that Hindu and Sikh passengers do not get food options matching their religious beliefs.
Railways follow FSSAI guidelines and have no official provision for serving halal-certified food.
NHRC directed Railways to respect food choices of all religious groups and submit an Action Taken Report within two weeks.
- Who
- Indian Railways, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
- What
- Denial of halal-only meat policy in trains
- When
- Not specified
- Where
- Indian trains
- Why
- To address allegations of violating rights and to clarify adherence to FSSAI norms and lack of halal meat policy
- Organization
- Indian Railways
- Issue
- Halal meat allegations
- Regulatory Body
- NHRC
- Standards Followed
- FSSAI norms
- Documentation
- No policy or record for halal meat
- Complaint Allegations
- Violation of rights to equality, non-discrimination, freedom of profession, right to life with dignity, and religious freedom
- Commission's Stance
- Railways must respect food choices of all religious groups
