A delegation of Hindu Janajagruti Samiti meet Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai
Credit: DH Photo
Mumbai: The Hindu Janajagruti Samiti (HJS) has demanded a ban on Halal certification in Maharashtra.
Besides, the HJS called for strict action by filing cases against private institutions illegally issuing halal certificates in Maharashtra.
After a delegation of HJS met Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in Mumbai, he directed senior officials to submit a proposal on banning Halal-certified products.
In November 2023, the Yogi Adityanath government prohibited the production, storage, distribution and sale of food products with Halal certification in Uttar Pradesh.
The HJS argued that certifying products on religious grounds is unconstitutional in a secular state.
The HJS stated that if a ban on halal-certified products is imposed in Maharashtra, they would welcome the decision.
Among those present during the meeting with Shinde are Satish Sonar and S Ravi Nalawade from Mumbai, along with Shiv Sena MLA from Nanded, Anand Tidke.
“Under the law, the authority to set standards and issue certificates for food products lies with the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI),” said Sunil Ghanwat, Maharashtra State Coordinator, HJS.
However, a parallel system called ‘Halal certification’ has been established, which violates government regulations and creates confusion about the quality of food products. Organizations like ‘Halal India,’ ‘Halal Certification Services India,’ ‘Jamiyat Ulema-e-Hind,’ and ‘Jamiyat Ulema-e-Maharashtra’ are allegedly distributing halal certificates illegally and collecting crores of rupees,” he added.
“Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had also clarified that private organizations are not authorized to collect money by issuing such certificates. Shockingly, funds from Halal certification are reportedly being used to provide legal assistance to around 700 accused linked to terrorist organizations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Indian Mujahideen, and Islamic State,” said Ghanwat in a press statement.
“The funds collected by private institutions under the pretext of halal certification should be investigated, and illegal wealth amassed through Halal certificates should be recovered with interest. A thorough investigation was also demanded to determine how these funds were used and whether they posed a threat to national security,” he added.