The Railway Board on 26 November 2025 denied any official provision for serving Halal-certified food on trains, responding to a National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) notice issued on 25 November following a complaint alleging exclusive use of Halal-processed meat in non-vegetarian meals.
The complainant argued this discriminates against Hindu and Sikh passengers preferring Jhatka meat, violates rights under Articles 14, 15, 19(1)(g), 21, and 25 of the Constitution, and harms livelihoods of Hindu Dalit communities in the meat trade.
IRCTC affirmed compliance with FSSAI norms without Halal requirements, echoing prior RTI and CIC responses; NHRC seeks a report within two weeks, with no further updates as of 29 November.
Official Denials and Key Statements
Indian Railways and IRCTC swiftly rebutted the allegations, with a senior Railway Board official stating, “There is no official provision for serving Halal-certified food on Indian Railways,” emphasising adherence to the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, and FSSAI guidelines.
IRCTC clarified on 27 November that no guidelines mandate Halal certification for onboard meals, rejecting claims of exclusive Halal use and noting strict focus on food quality and passenger safety. Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw reinforced this, confirming no such policy exists for train meals.
These responses followed a similar denial to the Chief Information Commission under RTI, where no records of Halal mandates were found, highlighting consistent transparency efforts.
Roots of the Complaint
The NHRC notice stemmed from a detailed complaint portraying Halal-only meat as a prima facie human rights violation, particularly impacting Scheduled Caste Hindu communities traditionally involved in meat processing and trade.
Complainants highlighted denial of Jhatka options-meat from a single swift cut aligning with Hindu and Sikh practices-forcing passengers into choices conflicting with their faith, thus breaching equality, religious freedom, and livelihood rights.
The issue, resurfacing from 2023 social media debates, questions why public catering favours one certification over diverse preferences in a secular nation serving over 23 million passengers daily.
NHRC demanded an action-taken report from Railway Board Chairperson Satish Kumar within two weeks, underscoring scrutiny on discriminatory practices.
Historical Context and Recurring Tensions
Debates over Halal certification in public procurement trace back years, with similar RTI queries and complaints prompting repeated clarifications from Railways since at least 2023.
Halal, requiring ritual slaughter per Islamic law, contrasts with Jhatka’s instantaneous method, fuelling perceptions of bias in multi-faith India where food choices symbolise cultural identity.
Indian Railways, managing 13,000+ trains, procures via licensed vendors under FSSAI oversight, yet faces criticism for opacity amid rising demands for choice-based, inclusive menus.
This episode mirrors broader national discussions on certification in products like soaps and eateries, amplifying calls for policy reviews to prevent exclusion.
Stakeholder Perspectives
Passengers from Hindu and Sikh backgrounds voice frustration over limited options, viewing Halal dominance as eroding personal liberty during long journeys. Meat traders from non-Muslim communities decry lost opportunities, arguing exclusive practices stifle economic equity.
Railways defends vendor diversity and safety protocols, insisting no religious endorsement occurs.
NHRC’s intervention balances these by probing systemic fairness, while public discourse on platforms like X and Instagram reflects polarised sentiments on secular catering.
Implications for Public Catering
Serving millions across diverse demographics, Indian Railways’ meals must navigate logistics, hygiene, and sensitivity without alienating groups.
FSSAI compliance ensures baseline safety, but absence of explicit multi-certification guidelines leaves room for mistrust. Potential shifts towards labelled Jhatka or vegetarian defaults could enhance trust, though cost and supply chains pose challenges.
This controversy spotlights the need for proactive communication to preempt escalations in shared public spaces.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Indian Railways must champion transparent, choice-driven policies that honour India’s pluralistic fabric, fostering empathy by offering Jhatka alongside Halal under FSSAI norms to affirm equality for all faiths.
Public institutions thrive on dialogue that prioritises harmony, kindness, and coexistence over division, ensuring no community feels sidelined in daily essentials like travel meals.
By embracing inclusivity, Railways can model positive change, turning contention into unity.
