Solicitor General Tushar Mehta raised an important issue related to Halal certification in the Supreme Court. He questioned what is the justification for Halal certification of non-meat products, such as cement and iron rods, which have no connection with the Halal process? The case pertains to petitions challenging a notification banning the storage, sale and distribution of food products with Halal certification in Uttar Pradesh.
Halal certification controversy
Tushar Mehta said before a bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Augustine George Masih that no one can have any objection to Halal meat, but when the process reaches to flour, gram flour, cement and iron rods, it becomes a matter of concern. . He said, “What is the need to certify gram flour as Halal? How can gram flour be halal or non-halal?”
overpriced issue
The Solicitor General also emphasized that Halal certification agencies were charging huge fees, thereby collecting crores of rupees in revenue. “Those who do not want to consume halal-certified products also have to pay higher prices,” he said. This is not fair.”
Counsel appearing for the petitioners argued that Halal certification is a voluntary process and is related to the lifestyle of the consumer.
Central government’s side
The central government, in its affidavit filed in the Supreme Court, said that the notification issued by the Food Safety and Drug Administration of Uttar Pradesh comes under the jurisdiction of the state government. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has no authority over such state level regulations.
Court’s instructions on petitions
The Supreme Court has given 4 weeks time to the petitioners to file their reply. The court also said that the case will be heard in the week starting March 24.
Reference to Food Safety Act and Notification
The ban on manufacturing, storage, sale and distribution of food products without Halal certification was imposed under a notification issued by the Uttar Pradesh Food Safety and Drug Administration on November 18, 2023. The petitioners have challenged this in the Supreme Court.
Limitations and controversies of Halal certification
The Central Government has clarified that the issue of Halal certification may relate to domestic and international trade, but state governments are free to implement their own notifications and policies. The questions raised on the scope and propriety of Halal certification will now become clear only after the court’s decision.
