The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has banned the production, storage, distribution and sale of food products without Halal certification with immediate effect, while exempting products manufactured for export.
In a statement, the state government alleged that the “malicious efforts” to discourage the use of products lacking Halal certification not only seek “undue financial gains” but are also “premeditated” to sow class hatred, create divisions in the society. are part of the strategy. , and the country will be weakened by “anti-national elements”.
The statement issued on Saturday said that strict legal steps will be taken against any person or firm engaged in the production, storage, distribution, purchase and sale of halal-certified medicines, medical devices and cosmetics within Uttar Pradesh.
‘Propaganda’ that harms business
“Unrestrained propaganda is being spread within a particular section of the society to discourage the use of products lacking Halal certification,” the statement said. It says that this harms the business interests of other communities.
What is Halal-certification?
Halal-certified products are those that meet the requirements of Islamic law and are considered suitable for consumption by Muslims.
Exports appear to be exempt from the ban as many countries, particularly in the Middle East, insist on halal certification.
What is the controversy?
On the one hand, many Muslim groups are strongly advocating that people in the community should only consume halal-certified products – even with medicines.
On the other hand, many Hindu groups are strongly boycotting Halal-certified products.
While a certain section of them is asking Hindus not to consume Halal certified products, another section is asking to scrap the certification process.