NHRC issues notice to Railways over trains 'only serving halal meat'
New Delhi (PTI): The NHRC has issued a notice to the Railways over a complaint that "only halal-processed meat" is served in trains, which creates an "unfair discrimination" and amounts to "violations of human-rights".
The complaint has further alleged that the practice in Indian Railways trains excludes people from Hindu Dalit communities, who traditionally work in the meat trade and therefore harms their livelihood rights and equal opportunities.
There was no immediate reaction from the railway authorities.
The National Human Rights Commission, in proceedings related to a case in the matter dated November 24, has said that the allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be violations of human rights.
The NHRC said as the practice of selling only halal meat "badly affects" the livelihood of Hindu Scheduled Caste communities and other non-Muslim communities, the railway being a government agency should respect the right to choice of food of people all religious faith "as per the secular spirit of the Constitution of India".
A bench of the NHRC, presided by its member Priyank Kanoongo, has taken cognisance of the complaint by Sunil Ahirwar from Bhopal under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
"The registry is directed to issue a notice to the Chairman, Railway Board, New Delhi, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into, and to submit an action taken report within two weeks for perusal of the Commission," it said.
According to the proceedings of the case, the complainant has alleged that the "Indian Railways serves only halal-processed meat in non-vegetarian meals, which creates unfair discrimination and causes human-rights violations".
The complainant also alleged that "Hindu and Sikh passengers do not get food options that match their religious beliefs, affecting their freedom of choice and religious rights which 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..."
He said it is "contrary to the principles laid down in cases of Olga Tellis (1985), Indian Young Lawyers Association (2018), State of Karnataka v. Appa Balu Ingale (1995) and NHRC v. State of Gujarat (2009).
The complainant has stated that such a policy in a government-run system allegedly appears to "violate" the principles of equality, secularism, non-discrimination, and the right to livelihood.
The complainant sought the intervention of the commission in the matter and requested urgent action, according to the proceedings of the case.
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KSRTC to run 1000 special services to clear Christmas rush
Bengaluru: The Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation will operate 1000 additional special services in view of the Christmas festival.
In addition to the existing schedule, the special services will run on 19.12.2025, 20.12.2025 and 24.12.2025. Further, special buses will be operated from various places of intra & Interstate places to Bengaluru on 26.12.2025 & 28.12.2025.
Special buses will be exclusively operated from Bengaluru Kempegowda Bus Station to Dharmastala, Kukkesubramanya, Shivamogga, Hassan, Mangaluru, Kundapura, Shringeri, Horanadu, Davangere, Hubbali, Dharwad, Belagavi, Vijayapura, Gokarna, Sirsi, Karwar, Raichur, Kalaburagi, Ballari, Koppala, Yadgir, Bidar, Tirupathi, Vijayawada, Hyderabad and other places.
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Special buses from Mysuru Road Bus Station will be exclusively operated towards Mysuru, Hunsur, Piriyapatna, Virajpet, Kushalanagar, Madikeri.
The corporation has also announced a discount of 5 per cent on the fare if four or more passengers book tickets under a single reservation. A discount of 10 per cent will be extended on return journey tickets if onward and return tickets are booked simultaneously.
In addition to the above, special buses will be operated from all Taluk/District Bus Stands in the jurisdiction of KSRTC based on the traffic needs.
