Lucknow/UNI: The Uttar Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, is set to clamp down on the illicit practice of issuing 'Halal certificates' to food and cosmetic products without proper authority.

Recognising the malicious attempt to exploit a specific religious sentiment and potentially 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 also been lodged at Hazratganj police station in this regard 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 exploited religious sentiments to boost sales by providing Halal certificates to customers of a specific religion. Illegal businesses are being run for financial gain.

In the case lodged by Shailendra Kumar Sharma it has been alleged that the entities have no authority to give certification to any product. It has been alleged that the said entities were preparing forged certificates and issuing Halal certificates to various companies for financial gain, fostering not only social animosity but also violating 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. It stated that there is 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, in turn, harms the business interests of other communities.

It has been alleged that such a malicious attempt not only seeks unfair financial benefits by issuing Halal certificates for items meant for common citizens but also forms part of a pre-planned strategy to sow class hatred, create divisions in society and weaken the country.

The complainant expresses concern over these individuals amassing disproportionate profits and potentially channeling funds towards supporting terrorist organizations and anti-national endeavours. It may be noted that institutions like FSSAI and ISI are duly authorised to certify the quality of food products.