The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has banned the production, storage, distribution and sale of food products Halal certification with immediate effect and exempts products manufactured for export.
Why
In a statement, the state government claimed that “malicious attempts” to stop the use of products without a halal certificate are not only aimed at “unfair financial benefits” but are also part of a “pre-planned strategy to sow class hatred and sow divisions in of society”. “and weaken the country” by “anti-national elements”.
Strict legal action will be taken against any individual or company involved in the production, storage, distribution, purchase and sale of food Halal certified medicinesmedical devices and cosmetics in Uttar Pradesh, said the statement issued on Saturday.
“Propaganda” that hurts business
“Uninhibited propaganda is being spread in a certain section of society to discourage the use of products without a halal certificate,” the statement said. This harms the business interests of other communities, it said.
What is Halal Certification?
Halal certified products are intended to meet the requirements of Islamic law and are considered suitable for consumption by Muslims.
Exports appear to have been exempt from the ban as several countries, particularly those in the middle Eastinsist on Halal certification.
What’s the controversy?
On the one hand, several Muslim groups have strongly advocated that people from the community should only consume halal-certified products – including with medicines.
On the other hand, several Hindu groups are vehemently boycotting halal-certified products.
While a section of them is asking Hindus not to consume Halal certified products, another section is demanding abolition of the certification process.