Union Minister Giriraj Singh has called for a ban on the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food products with halal certification in Uttar Pradesh, stating that the business of halal products is a “treason” in a secular democracy like India. He argues against the “jihad” in the name of halal products and calls for a ban against such practices in the state. The BJP MP and Rural Development minister criticized the Bihar CM for Islamizing non-Islamic matters, stating that institutions are self-proclaimed in giving halal certificates and companies are receiving them for significant sums of money.
What are halal-certified products?
Halal-certified products, derived from the Arabic word ‘halal’ meaning permissible, are products that meet the requirements of Islamic law, ensuring their consumption is permissible for Muslims. Under Islamic law, halal meat is considered halal, as it is slaughtered through the throat, esophagus, and jugular veins, unlike the jhatka method, which involves the spinal cord. Halal-certifying agencies in India offer companies, products, and food establishments halal certification, accredited by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB).
Why has the government of Uttar Pradesh banned products certified halal?
Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath administration has banned the production, distribution, and retailing of food items with halal certification, except for export-oriented products. The Uttar Pradesh government has accused “malicious attempts” to discourage halal-certified products as part of a pre-planned strategy to incite class hatred, create societal divisions, and weaken the country by anti-national elements. An FIR was filed at Lucknow’s Hazratganj police station, alleging that companies are certifying products as halal to boost community sales and manipulate public faith. The UP government is re-examining companies offering halal certification, highlighting the ongoing controversy surrounding this certification.
What is the contentious issue?
The Halal Council, a certificate-issuing authority, has been accused of allegedly exploiting religious sentiments to boost sales by providing halal certificates to customers of a specific religion. The case was registered in Lucknow on November 17, involving entities such as Halal India Private Limited Chennai, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust Delhi, Halal Council of India Mumbai, and Jamiat Ulama Maharashtra. Meanwhile, Muslim groups strongly advocate for halal-certified products, including medicines, while Hindu groups boycott these products. Some groups encourage Hindus to avoid consuming halal-certified products, while others oppose the certification process. Some groups are calling for the elimination of the certification process.
Why is the UP government banning products with halal certification?
The UP government has banned halal certification for vegetarian products like oil, soap, toothpaste, and honey, citing a criminal conspiracy targeting a specific community. The ban is in the interest of public health and preventing confusion, exempting export products. The UP government argues that halal certification creates confusion about food quality and is not tenable under Section 89 of the Act, as it contradicts the Act’s basic intention. The government has taken action against products labeled with halal certification, including dairy items, sugar, bakery products, peppermint oil, salty ready-to-eat beverages, and edible oils. The government claims that there are no provisions for marking halal certification on labels in drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics rules, and any mention of halal certification constitutes falsification under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, making it a punishable offense.
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