Context:
The Uttar Pradesh Government’s Food Security and Drug Administration has imposed an immediate ban on the “manufacture, sale, storage, and distribution of halal-certified products.”
Relevance:
GS II: Government policies and Interventions
Dimensions of the Article:
- About Halal Certification Ban
- Halal Certificate Issuance Process
- What has the government done?
About Halal Certification Ban
Halal Definition:
- Arabic term signifying ‘permissible’ in Islam.
- Denotes products fit for consumption by followers of Islam, particularly crucial for meat items and when exporting to Muslim nations.
Ban Reason:
- A complaint filed in Lucknow by a BJP youth wing office bearer prompted the ban.
- Halal certifying outfits accused of issuing “forged” certificates to boost sales among a specific community.
- Alleged violation of “public trust” and creation of “social animosity.”
Government Stance:
- Legal Basis: The government asserts that the ban aligns with existing laws and fair trade practices.
- Objective: Official stance denies targeting any specific community, emphasizing adherence to legal and ethical standards.
Enforcement Actions:
- Subsequent to the ban, police units conducted raids in various malls across Uttar Pradesh to seize halal-certified products.
Controversial Implications:
- Community Concerns: Many view this government action as potentially marginalizing the Muslim community in the state.
- Official Clarification: The government maintains its position, stating the enforcement is rooted in legal provisions and trade regulations.
Halal Certificate Issuance Process:
Certifying Authorities:
- Organizations: Certificates issued by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind’s Halal Unit and the Halal Shariat Islamic Law Board.
- Accreditation: Both organizations cleared by the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies.
- Scope: Shariat Islamic Law Board certifies food products, while Jamiat’s unit focuses on meat.
Reaction to Ban:
- Surprise and Disapproval: Certifying agencies express surprise, claiming no prior notice from the government.
- Legal Consideration: Considering legal options, citing potential infringement on citizens’ fundamental right to consume faith-permissible food.
- Compliance Assertion: Jamiat emphasizes adherence to government regulations, including NABCB registration.
Export Product Certification:
- Ban Scope: Ban applies to sales, manufacture, and storage within Uttar Pradesh, exempting export products.
- Jamiat’s Clarification: Halal certificates by Jamiat’s unit exclusively for export purposes.
- Misconception Clarification: Denial of issuing Halal certificates for vegetarian products in domestic markets.
Retailer Insights:
- Business Disruption: Retailers affected by the sudden ban reveal complexities in the certification process.
- Vegetarian Products: Acknowledgement of vegetarian products carrying Halal certificates for export, sometimes
entering the domestic market.
Concerns and Clarifications:
- Sentimental Impact: Clarification that vegetarian products unlikely to hurt sentiments, emphasizing proper certification processes.
- Financial Transparency: Assurance of legality and transparency in financial transactions, including GST and income tax payments.
Legal Exploration:
- Exploration of Options: Consideration of legal avenues to address the ban, emphasizing adherence to established regulations.
What has the government done?
- Within a week of the announcement of the ban, the State government gave a belated breathing period to all concerned.
- It allowed retailers 15 days to withdraw any such food items from their shelves.
- It asked the 92 state-based manufacturers who had been getting halal certification from non-certified organisations, to recall and repackage their products.
-Source: The Hindu
