Discrimination Based On Food Habits? PIL In Gujarat HC Seeks Segregation Of Veg And Non-Veg Railway Passengers

A lawyer has filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Gujarat High Court seeking the court to intervene in the matter and direct railway authorities to have separate seats in the train for vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers, Indian Express has reported.

The lawyer, EE Saiyed, aged 67, is a resident of Khanpur, Ahmedabad. He has urged the court to direct Indian Railways to provide an option of allotting different seats to its passengers based on the food choices they make at the time of booking the ticket.

Saiyed’s petition is likely to come up next week for hearing in the High Court of the state.

“Respondents be directed to segregate vegetarian and non-vegetarian food and segregate seats at the time of ticket booking in accordance with food choices so that no discomfort is caused to passengers who are vegetarian.” says the petition.

Saiyed, while claiming to have no political motive, states in his petition, “Segregation between vegetarian food and non-vegetarian food is precarious and there is no distinction with regard to serving the passenger according to their choices.”

Saiyed, explaining his reasons for filing the petition, said that he was a “pure vegetarian” and the petition was filed by him in order to have a provision of “separate sitting arrangements for vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers”.

“As food choice is being taken at the time of booking by the Indian Railway, the option for allotting seats in accordance with food choices should be encouraged so that co-passengers may not suffer. Therefore, the petition is seeking direction to the effect that allotting of seats should be made on the basis of food choices.” states the PIL.