The Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) has once again found itself at the centre of a controversy after a notice regarding a change in the hostel menu went viral on social media. The notice, allegedly issued on Sunday, February 9, stated that Beef Biryani would replace Chicken Biryani in the university mess, sparking widespread debate and drawing scrutiny from both the public and authorities.
The notice, reportedly from Suleman Hall Mess, bore the names of Mohammad Faizullah and Mujassim Ahmed Bhati from the Senior Food Dining Hall. It read:
“This Sunday’s lunch menu has been modified based on popular demand. Instead of Chicken Biryani, we will be serving Beef Biryani. This change is in response to numerous requests from our resident members. We hope you enjoy the new addition to our menu.”
Aligarh Muslim University has decided to serve beef to its students.
AMU administration is running a parallel govt inside the campus?? pic.twitter.com/8BFXCbEmiL
— Mr Sinha (@MrSinha_) February 9, 2025
As soon as the notice surfaced online, it triggered strong reactions from various quarters, with many questioning how such an announcement could be made in a state where beef consumption is legally restricted.
Taking cognizance of the viral notice, Aligarh Police stated that they had taken note of the matter and were acting in accordance with legal provisions.
प्रकरण में सुसंगत धाराओं में अभियोग पंजीकृत कर अग्रिम वैधानिक कार्यवाही प्रचलित की गई ।
— ALIGARH POLICE (@aligarhpolice) February 9, 2025
Meanwhile, AMU Proctor Professor Mohammad Wasim Ali responded to the controversy, claiming that the issue arose due to a typographical error. He clarified that the mess committee had mistakenly written “Beef Biryani” instead of “Chicken Biryani” while updating the menu for Sunday’s lunch. However, this explanation did little to quell the outrage, as questions persisted regarding how such an error could occur in an official university notice.
The controversy assumes significance in light of the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955, which strictly prohibits the slaughter, sale, and transport of beef in the state. Under the law:
- Cow slaughter is punishable with a 10-year jail term and may invite a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh.
- Causing physical injury to cows and their progeny is considered a criminal offense.
Given these legal restrictions, the viral notice, whether authentic or erroneous, has fueled speculation and concerns about possible violations of the law.
This is not the first time Aligarh Muslim University has been embroiled in a controversy. Over the years, the institution has frequently been at the centre of debates surrounding academic freedom, ideological conflicts, and policy decisions.
While AMU has attempted to clarify the matter as an inadvertent mistake, the Aligarh Police’s ongoing inquiry into the viral notice suggests that the controversy is far from over. Whether it was a mere typo or an actual proposal, the incident has reignited debates around dietary choices, legal restrictions, and the broader socio-political sensitivities surrounding the issue.
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