Halal Certification Controversy: A Clash Between Tradition and Policy

The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Halal Trust challenges the Indian government's push against halal certification for non-meat products, calling the move baseless and inimical to religious freedom. The trust argues that halal certification is tied to religious practices protected under India's Constitution, emphasizing its key role in international trade.

The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Halal Trust has expressed firm opposition in the Supreme Court against the Indian government's position on halal certification for non-meat items, deeming it neither warranted nor substantiated.

In its rejoinder, the trust highlighted that halal certification reflects a core aspect of religious and lifestyle practices for a significant section of the Indian populace, safeguarded by the Indian Constitution under Articles 25 and 26, which ensure religious freedom and management of religious affairs.

The trust criticized the government's concerns over alleged exorbitant charges for halal certification as unfounded and clarified that it has not issued such certifications for products like iron bars or cement. It emphasized the deep connection between halal certification and global trade frameworks.

(With inputs from agencies.)