The Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Halal Trust has vehemently opposed the Centre’s stance on halal certification of non-meat products such as iron bars and cement, labeling the submission as “vexatious and scandalous.” This response was articulated in a rejoinder filed in the Supreme Court, where the Trust defended the broader concept of halal, which it argued encompasses a lifestyle and behavior encompassing more than just food, important to a significant portion of the Indian populace.
The Trust responded to the Centre’s queries raised on January 20 regarding why non-believers should bear the higher costs associated with halal-certified non-meat products. It clarified that it had not issued halal certification for products like iron bars or cement, pointing out that such claims were unfounded.
Halal certification, according to the Trust, pertains to the religious beliefs and practices protected under Articles 25 and 26 of the Indian Constitution, which respectively ensure freedom of conscience, religion, and the right to manage religious affairs. The Trust argued that the choice of components in food and other consumer goods falls under these constitutional protections, emphasizing that the state cannot interfere with these liberties.
The Trust also dismissed criticisms that halal certification has unnecessarily expanded to non-edible products like tulsi water, lipstick, or chocolate biscuits, attributing such claims to public ignorance. It stressed that halal certification is integral not only to domestic trade but also to international commerce, which often requires such endorsements for market access.
Additionally, the Trust addressed allegations regarding the financial operations linked to halal certification fees, asserting that all financial statements are properly reported to and monitored by the Income Tax and GST authorities, thereby dismissing the allegations as baseless.
