NEW DELHI: Facing allegations from Centre that “lakhs of crores of rupees” were being collected through issuance of halal certification for various products, including cement, iron bars, bottles, etc, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust told SC Monday that govt’s statement in court “was completely incorrect, vexatious and scandalous”.
In an affidavit filed in SC to counter Centre’s allegation, the trust said it had never given certification to cement and iron bars and pleaded the court to seek explanation from Centre on what basis it had made the statement. It also said its annual collection is close to only Rs 2.1 crore, out of which Rs 59.2 lakh is paid as tax. It, however, justified halal certification for lipstick, tulsi water, biscuit, water bottle, etc, saying it is done to ensure that animal fat, bones or any other component has not been used in their manufacturing.
Referring to Centre’s statement during court hearing on Jan 20, the affidavit said, “It is submitted that statements of Centre are completely incorrect, vexatious and scandalous. The statements are without any basis, inconsistent with the record and the pleadings sworn on oath by public officials submitted before this court. The instructing officer of govt has shown irresponsible behaviour while instructing the solicitor general to make such statements. This court may direct govt for disclosure of the fact as to which officer instructed the SG to make such statement before this court as these statements have caused serious prejudice to the concept of halal; which is considered to be one of the basic requirements of behaviour and lifestyle of a very large community of our country.”
Centre had told court that ‘halal’ certification was not confined to food items but it was done for all sorts of products, even cement & iron bars have to be halal-certified.
Responding to allegations, the trust said, “It is submitted that the petitioner has not issued any halal certification to iron bars or cement. Govt is hereby put to strict proof for producing such certification having been granted to any of such manufacturing. However, there are few, predominantly, steel and cement manufacturing companies which produce materials to be used in preserving or protecting edible materials, like tin plates/food cans (for packaging) and are interested in doing their export for their material benefit. When it comes to making exports outside India, the importing establishments from outside India, place conditions on exporting companies that the said materials be halal certified.”
The trust said halal certification is a serious issue of religious belief and practice of a large section of Indian citizenry and the same is protected under Article 25 and 26 of the Constitution and it is also related to international trade and commerce.
“It is further submitted that halal certification, mostly, if not all, are consumer driven. In the process as to whether this certification is required or not, there is no role to be played by the certifying agency. It is a business decision of manufacturing companies to opt for such certifications because consumers, who want to consume certain products, necessarily want such certifications,” it said.