Muslim bodies have hit out at the Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to ban the storage and sale of Halal-certified products. The Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, which has a Halal certification unit, claimed the government had not sent “any notice or circular before the move”. It is said to be exploring legal options. The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, meanwhile, dubbed the move “ridiculous and unfortunate”. Both the bodies said it amounted to infringement upon the citizens’ fundamental right to eat what is permissible by faith.
“We adhere to government regulations, as emphasised in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry notification, requiring all Halal certification bodies to be registered with NABCB (National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies under Quality Council of India), a milestone that Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust has achieved. Collaborating closely with APEDA (Agricultural Products Exports Development Authority of India) and Indian embassies worldwide, we promote Indian Halal certified products in global markets. The Halal certification logo not only aids Halal consumers but also offers informed choices to all consumers. It’s essential to note that all financial transactions are duly accounted for, with proper GST and income tax payments and thorough auditing, ensuring complete legality and transparency in our operations,” the Jamiat spokesman Niaz Farooqui who is also the CEO of Jamiat’s Halal Trust, said.
Mr. Farooqui claimed, the Jamiat’s Halal Trust fulfils all norms set by the Government of India in issuing Halal certificates. “Our certification process aligns with manufacturers’ requirements for both export purposes and domestic distribution in India. The global demand for Halal certified products is robust, and it’s imperative for Indian companies to obtain such certification, a fact endorsed by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India,” Mr. Farooqui said.
