Indian Railways clarifies there is no rule mandating halal certified food on trains

🚨 What’s the Issue

Recently, a complaint filed with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) alleged that Indian Railways serves only halal-processed meat on non-vegetarian meals served in trains — effectively forcing halal-certified food on all non-vegetarian passengers. 

The complaint argued this amounted to discrimination and violated passengers’ rights to food choice, equality and freedom of religion. 

✅ What Indian Railways Says: No Mandatory Halal Food

Indian Railways — through IRCTC (which handles catering) — clarified that there is no official rule or policy mandating that meals on trains must be halal-certified. 

They stated that all food served onboard complies with standards of Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), not any requirement for halal certification. 

According to Railways, no records or documents exist showing any “halal-only” mandate, certification requirement, or passenger consent process — for either meat supply or meals onboard. 

A senior official clarified this stance before the NHRC and in response to public queries. 

🧑⚖️ What Triggered It: NHRC Notice & Allegations

The NHRC issued a notice to Railways after receiving a complaint alleging that serving only halal-processed meat amounted to “unfair discrimination” — especially affecting non-Muslim communities, including certain caste groups traditionally involved in meat trade. 

The complaint raised concern that this policy (if it existed) would violate constitutional rights: equality, religious freedom, livelihood rights, and dignity of affected communities. 

📢 Why This Clarification Matters

For passengers — ensures transparency: there is no compulsion to consume halal-certified food. People are free to choose vegetarian or non-vegetarian meals under standard food safety norms.

For trust in public service — removes confusion around alleged mandatory halal meals, clarifying that Indian Railways follows general food-safety regulations, not religious-specific food certification.

For social harmony — helps address concerns among communities feeling excluded or discriminated against on religious grounds; clarifies that catering policy doesn’t give preferential treatment.