The state government of Uttar Pradesh in India has prohibited products labeled ‘halal’ as of yesterday. However, products produced for export will not fall under the ban. According to the government directive, strict legal measures will be taken against individuals or organizations involved in the production, storage, distribution, and sale of halal-certified medicines, medical supplies, and cosmetics within Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Minister of the state, Yogi Adityanath, issued a statement saying, “The production, collection, storage, distribution, and sale of halal food in Uttar Pradesh are completely prohibited.”
The term ‘halal’ refers to food prepared according to Islamic law, free from any substances forbidden for Muslims. Several organizations in India issue certificates, including notable ones such as Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust in Delhi, Halal Council of India in Mumbai, and Jamiat Ulama-e-Maharashtra.
There are allegations that a wide range of daily necessities, starting from dairy products to meat and soap, are being sold with fake halal certificates. Despite claims that these products are being sold legally, last Friday (November 17), police in the Hazratganj area of Uttar Pradesh filed FIRs (First Information Reports) against organizations like Halal India Private Limited in Chennai, Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust in Delhi, Halal Council of India in Mumbai, and similar institutions issuing halal certificates.
The filing of FIRs comes after allegations of exploiting people’s religious sentiments through the issuance of fake halal certificates. Following police actions, the Uttar Pradesh state government took this step.
