Halal ban: SC grants interim protection to Jamiat Chief Mahmood Madani

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday granted interim protection to Jamiat Chief Mahmood Madani from coercive action over UP Government's ban on Halal products.

A bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta issued notice to the UP government on the plea of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust challenging the ban on the manufacture, sale, storage and distribution of halal-certified products.

The court had earlier issued notice in two other pleas by Halal India Private Limited and Jamiat Ulama-e-Maharashtra challenging the ban imposed by the Uttar Pradesh Government on the "manufacture, sale, storage, and distribution of halal-certified products."

The ban, implemented on November 18 last year, sparked controversy and prompted police raids on malls across the state to seize halal products.

The petitioners contend that the ban violates citizens' fundamental rights and undermines established certification processes, arguing that it is a misconceived action causing chaos for retailers and affecting legitimate trade practices.

The Apex Court agreed to hear a writ petition filed under Article 32 of the Constitution by Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust. In the meanwhile it has directed the government not to take any coercive action against Jamiat Chief Mahmood Madani, among others.

During the hearing today, the counsel appearing for Jamiat MR Shamshad, argued that despite the organization having already joined the investigation and duly supplied all documents sought, the state government has summoned the president of the trust, asking him to be present in person, without specifying what is needed from him.

Responding to this, Justice Gavai said, "Tell them that the Supreme Court is seized of the matter."