Lucknow, Nov 18 : The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is intensifying its crackdown on the illicit practice of issuing ‘Halal certificates’ to food and cosmetic products without proper authority.
Recognizing the potential misuse of religious sentiments and the potential to incite discord among communities, the Chief Minister has directed stringent actions against such practices.
There is a suspicion that money obtained illegally under the guise of a halal certificate, through the use of forged documents, is funding terrorist groups and anti-national activities.
An FIR has been lodged at Hazratganj police station in Lucknow on Friday. According to the filed FIR, entities such as Halal India Private Limited Chennai, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust Delhi, Halal Council of India Mumbai, Jamiat Ulama Maharashtra, and others have been exploiting religious sentiments to boost sales by providing Halal certificates to customers of a specific religion. These entities are suspected of running illegal businesses for financial gain.
In the case lodged by Shailendra Kumar Sharma, it is alleged that these entities have no authority to give certification to any product. It is claimed that the entities were preparing forged certificates and issuing Halal certificates to various companies for financial gain. This not only fosters social animosity but also violates public trust.
The complainant has raised concerns over a potential large-scale conspiracy, indicating attempts to decrease the sales of products from companies lacking the Halal certificate, which is illegal. There is an apprehension that this unfair advantage is being passed on to anti-social and anti-national elements.
The complainant further alleges that under the guise of religion, unrestrained propaganda is being disseminated within a particular section of society to discourage the use of products lacking a Halal certificate. This harms the business interests of other communities.
Such a malicious attempt not only seeks unfair financial benefits but also forms part of a pre-planned strategy to sow class hatred, create divisions in society, and weaken the country, the complainant states.
The complaint expresses concern over these individuals amassing disproportionate profits and potentially channeling funds towards supporting terrorist organizations and anti-national endeavors. It’s important to note that institutions like FSSAI and ISI are duly authorized to certify the quality of food products.
