Shocked to See Many Non-Meat Products Having Halal Certification: Solicitor General Tells SC
The Supreme Court is hearing a pleas challenging Uttar Pradesh’s ban on halal-certified products, with Solicitor General Tushar Mehta arguing that halal-certified goods are unnecessarily expensive, forcing non-consumers to pay higher prices due to the preferences of a few.
During the hearing, Mehta expressed surprise over the wide range of products, beyond food, that require halal certification, such as cement, iron bars, water bottles, and even everyday items like wheat flour and chickpea flour. He questioned the relevance and fairness of such certification.
The petitioner countered, arguing that halal certification aligns with lifestyle choices and is not mandatory. They highlighted that the Central Government’s policy defines halal as broader than just meat-related products, that is as a matter of lifestyle.
In November, Uttar Pradesh banned the manufacture, sale, and storage of halal-certified products within the state, citing public health concerns and alleged misuse of halal certifications. The ban does not apply to export products. Halal certification bodies, including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, criticized the move and filed a constitutional challenge. The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for late March while protecting petitioners from coercive action under earlier orders.
Source: – Live Law
By: – Rajat Ranjan
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