Tue Jan 21 03:10:42 UTC 2025: ## Supreme Court to Examine Halal Certification Expansion Beyond Meat Products
**New Delhi, January 21, 2025** – The Supreme Court of India is set to delve into the contentious issue of halal certification extending beyond meat products, following arguments presented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Mehta questioned the practice of halal certification for non-food items such as cement and iron bars, arguing that non-Muslims are forced to pay higher prices for products bearing the certification, even if they do not consume halal-certified goods.
The court is hearing challenges to a November 2023 Uttar Pradesh notification banning the manufacture, storage, sale, and distribution of halal-certified food products within the state (excluding exports). Mehta expressed shock at the extent of halal certification, noting its application to even basic commodities like wheat flour and gram flour. He suggested the cost associated with this widespread certification could amount to several lakh crore rupees.
While petitioners argued that halal certification is a matter of personal choice and not compulsory, Mehta emphasized the unfair burden placed on non-believers who are effectively subsidizing the practice. The Centre, in its affidavit, clarified that it has no direct role in state-level food safety regulations, reiterating that the UP notification falls under state jurisdiction. However, the affidavit also detailed the Department of Commerce and APEDA’s collaboration with QCI to develop a national halal certification scheme for meat and meat products intended for export.
The Supreme Court has adjourned the case until the week commencing March 24, granting petitioners four weeks to file a rejoinder. The ongoing legal battle involves several petitions, including those filed by Halal India Private Limited and the Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind Halal Trust. A related FIR in Lucknow against petitioners allegedly issuing forged halal certificates is also under consideration.
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