The petition states, “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.” (Representational Image)
A PUBLIC interest litigation (PIL) filed in Gujarat High Court has sought the court’s intervention in having segregated seats for vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers in trains. The PIL, filed by E E Saiyed, 67, a resident of Khanpur in Ahmedabad, a lawyer himself, has pleaded the court to direct Indian Railways to give option for allotting seats in accordance with the food choice of passengers.
It is likely to come up for hearing next week. The petition states, “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.”
Claiming that his PIL does not have any political motive, the petitioner states, “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.”
Petitioner Saiyed has said that he is a “pure vegetarian” and has filed the PIL so that “separate sitting arrangements for vegetarian and non-vegetarian passengers can be provided.” The PIL states, “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.”