The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Uttar Pradesh): The Special Task Force (STF) in Uttar Pradesh interrogated Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust chief Mahmood Madani in connection with a criminal case related to the ban on halal-certified products. Madani has sought time to file a response. This development follows the arrest of four officials from the Halal Council of India, Mumbai, on February 13 for allegedly issuing fake Halal certificates to companies without proper procedures.
The Supreme Court had previously granted protection from coercive action against Madani and other office-bearers in relation to this case. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta ordered no coercive action by Uttar Pradesh police against Madani and others while issuing notice on their plea challenging the Uttar Pradesh government’s ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and distribution of halal-certified products.
The apex court had also issued notice to the Uttar Pradesh government on pleas by Halal India Private Limited and Jamiat Ulam e-Hind Halal Trust Maharashtra. These petitions sought to quash a notification wherein the manufacture, sale, storage, and distribution of halal-certified products were banned in Uttar Pradesh.
The counsel for Jamiat argued that despite cooperation in the investigation and submission of all required documents, the State government had summoned the trust president to appear in person without specifying the necessity for his presence.
The petitions challenged the ban imposed by the Uttar Pradesh government on halal-certified products on November 18. An FIR was registered by the Lucknow police against various organizations, production companies, their owners, managers, and others for allegedly extorting money in the name of halal certification and promoting enmity based on religion. The FIR also accused them of funding anti-national, separatist, and terrorist organizations.