Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has ordered stores and manufacturers to remove 'halal' certified products within 15 days. This order was issued on November 18, 2023, and applies to all food items, except those meant for export. The government has also asked 92 Uttar Pradesh-based manufacturers who had been getting halal certification from non-certified organizations for their goods, to recall their products within UP and rebrand or repackage them as necessary.
The government's decision has been met with mixed reactions. Some people have welcomed the move, saying that it is a step towards protecting Hindu culture and traditions. Others have criticized the decision, saying that it is discriminatory and unconstitutional.
Here are some of the key points to consider about the issue:
- Halal certification is a process by which products are certified as being compliant with Islamic law. This includes ensuring that the products are slaughtered in a specific way and that they do not contain any pork or alcohol.
- Halal certification is not mandatory in India, but many Muslim consumers prefer to buy products that have been certified halal.
- The Yogi Adityanath government's decision to ban halal certification is based on the belief that it is an attempt to create a "parallel economy" in which Muslims are not subject to the same laws as Hindus.
- The government's decision has been criticized by some legal experts, who say that it violates the right to religious freedom.
The issue of halal certification is likely to continue to be debated in India.
The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has ordered the removal of all halal-certified products from the state, effective immediately. The ban does not apply to products manufactured for export.
The government claims that the ban is necessary to protect the interests of Hindu consumers, who make up the majority of the state's population. Hindus believe that halal meat is not slaughtered in a humane way, and they object to the use of the word "halal" on products that they consume.
The ban has been met with mixed reactions. Some Muslims have welcomed the move, arguing that it will help to protect their religious beliefs. Others have criticized the ban, saying that it is discriminatory and unnecessary.
The ban is likely to have a significant impact on the food industry in Uttar Pradesh. Halal-certified products are widely available in the state, and many businesses rely on the sale of these products. The ban could force these businesses to close or to find new markets for their products.
The ban is also likely to have a negative impact on the economy of Uttar Pradesh. The state is one of the largest producers of halal meat in India, and the ban could lead to job losses and a decline in investment.