NHRC writes to Maharashtra govt seeking probe in 'Halal lifestyle township' issue

Mumbai: In a shocking development, a housing project in Karjat, Raigad, the district neighbouring the financial capital of Mumbai, has advertised a “Halal lifestyle township” leading to a major controversy even as the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has shot off a letter to the Maharashtra government seeking a probe and an Action Taken Report (ATR).

NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo has flagged the issue and posted the advertisement video on X microblogging platform.

“This is not an advertisement but spreading poison. In the Karjat area near Mumbai, a township with halal lifestyle is being built exclusively for those of the Muslim faith. This is a nation within the nation,” he wrote. 

"We are issuing a notice to the Maharashtra government asking whether it is granting permission to create separate settlements for Muslims in Maharashtra, the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This matter is not just about creating a separate township. The advertisement is being done in such a way that it suggests Muslims are facing intolerance and want to move to a separate place to protect themselves,” he said. 

The project is known as "Sukoon Empire."

In the advertisement, a lady is seen saying: “When you are forced to compromise on your family’s principles in society, is that right? At Sukoon Empire, you will find authentic community living, like-minded families sharing the same values, children growing safely in a Halal environment, and elders being respected and cared for. This investment secures not just your money, but also your family’s future.”

The issue has gone viral on social media platforms.

"The allegations made in the complaint prima facie seem to be serious violations of the human rights of the victims,” the NHRC said in the notice issued to Maharashtra’s Chief Secretary under section 12 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

“The NHRC Registry is directed to issue notice to Chief Secretary, Government of Maharashtra, with directions to get the allegations made in the complaint inquired into and to submit an Action Taken Report and directs the authority concerned to submit the provisions under which such permission/ license for the township has been granted by the RERA (Mumbai, Maharashtra) based on religion, which threatens the sovereignty, integrity, and unity of India,” the notice said.