The Supreme Court, in response to a writ petition challenging the ban imposed on Halal-certified products in Uttar Pradesh, has issued interim protection to Halal India Pvt. Ltd. This decision comes after a bench, comprising Justice BR Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta, heard the case. Initially, the bench had issued a notice in the matter but had refrained from passing an interim order against coercive action under the ban notification.

During the proceedings, Justice Gavai suggested that a similar order to the one granting interim protection to Mahmood Madani and other office bearers of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust could be passed in this case. The bench had previously questioned the jurisdiction of the petition under Article 32, suggesting that the High Court should handle the matter. 

However, the petitioner's advocate argued that the ban's nationwide impact warranted Supreme Court intervention, as similar demands for bans on Halal products were emerging in other states.

The ban, imposed in November the previous year, prohibited the production, storage, distribution, and sale of Halal-certified products within Uttar Pradesh, with the exception of exports. The notification cited public health concerns and argued that Halal certification created confusion regarding food quality, contradicting the Food Safety and Standards Act.

The petitioner argued that the ban's immediate effect on interstate trade and industry, as well as its implications for consumers, justified Supreme Court intervention. Additionally, they emphasized that Halal certification, although issued by private bodies in India, is essential for ensuring compliance with Islamic dietary laws and guarantees product quality.

This interim protection granted by the Supreme Court provides temporary relief to Halal India Pvt. Ltd. while the legal proceedings continue. The case highlights the complex interplay between religious dietary practices, public health regulations, and legal jurisdiction, raising significant implications for food industry stakeholders and consumers across the country.

Case: Halal India Private Limited v. The State of Uttar Pradesh.