A notice regarding the change in Sunday lunch menu at the Sir Shah Sulaiman Hall of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) sparked a controversy as it went viral on social media. The notice stated that “beef biryani” would be served instead of “chicken biryani.” Strong reactions ensued.
Administration Clears Typing Error
After the furore, the AMU administration clarified that the notice contained a “typing error” and was not an officially approved document. The university assured that it had taken corrective action and that a show-cause notice had been issued to the two senior students responsible for circulating the notice.
Meanwhile, AMU Proctor Professor Mohammad Wasim Ali said, “A notice is being issued with regard to the change of menu in the hall of Sulaiman. This was just a typing mistake. The menu has not been changed in any way. Food will be served according to the menu chart in place.
Show-Cause Notice Issued to Responsible Students
The university has publicly distanced itself from the controversy and emphasized that the notice was unauthorized. The provost of the hall issued show-cause notices to the students responsible for issuing the statement without proper approval.
Political Reactions and Criticism
The controversy has sparked sharp criticism, mainly by BJP leader and AMU alumnus Nishit Sharma, who condemned the handling of the matter by the administration. He said the university was “encouraging elements of radicalism and covering up the misbehaviour of students.”
Legal Issues Regarding Beef in Uttar Pradesh
The controversy is intensified further by the legal framework of Uttar Pradesh where the slaughter of cows and sale and transport of beef are banned under the Uttar Pradesh Prevention of Cow Slaughter Act, 1955. Violations of this law carry severe penalties like imprisonment and fine.
The university assured to take severe steps so that incidents like these never happen again in the future. The administration repeated its assurance that it will respect state laws and maintain law on campus.
