The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Halal Trust contests the Centre’s claims about halal certification for non-meat products, emphasizing religious rights, consumer freedoms, and challenging the legality of government interventions and misinformation.
New Delhi: The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Halal Trust has strongly opposed the Centre’s claims regarding halal certification of non-meat products such as iron bars and cement, calling the argument “vexatious and scandalous” in a rejoinder filed in the Supreme Court.
The trust asserted that halal is not just about food but a fundamental part of a community’s lifestyle and religious practice, which falls under Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution. These articles provide freedom of religion and the right to manage religious affairs.
On January 20, the Centre questioned why non-believers should be forced to pay higher prices for halal-certified products, including non-meat items like cement and iron bars. In response, the trust categorically denied issuing such certifications, stating,
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“It is submitted, in clear terms, that the petitioner (trust) has not issued any halal certification to iron bars or cement.”
The trust further emphasized that food choices and awareness about product components are fundamental rights, protected under the Constitution.
“The state, whether it is the Central or state government, cannot take away this liberty of an individual as to what material somebody is eating,”
it stated.
Refuting allegations that halal certification is excessively widespread, the trust pointed out that products such as Tulsi water, lipsticks, or chocolates being subject to halal certification is an exaggerated claim due to misinformation. “The said criticism is baseless and arises from ignorance of the general public,” the rejoinder noted.
Additionally, halal certification plays a significant role in international trade and commerce. The trust dismissed allegations that halal certifying agencies earn profits amounting to “lakhs of crores”, arguing that such claims are based on “baseless oral instructions of the Central government”.
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The trust clarified that the Centre is fully aware of its financial dealings, as all statements are filed with the Income Tax and GST authorities. This, it argued, proves the legality and transparency of its operations.
The Supreme Court case stems from pleas challenging a Uttar Pradesh government notification that bans the manufacturing, storage, sale, and distribution of halal-certified food products within the state, except for export purposes. The matter is set to be heard in the week commencing March 24.
This legal battle underscores a broader debate over religious freedoms, consumer rights, and government intervention in product certification, making the upcoming court proceedings highly significant.
Case Title: Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust v. State of Uttar Pradesh & Ors. | Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 24 of 2024 (and connected cases)
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