In a significant development regarding the contentious issue of Halal certification in Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court has stepped in to provide interim protection to Mahmood Madani, the president of the Mahmood faction of the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, and other officials associated with the Halal Trust. This move comes in response to the Uttar Pradesh government's ban on the manufacture, sale, storage, and distribution of products certified as Halal within the state.

A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and Sandeep Mehta issued interim protection and also issued a notice on the plea filed by the Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind Halal Trust, challenging the Uttar Pradesh government's ban on Halal-certified products. Advocate MR Shamshad, representing the Jamiat, highlighted that despite their cooperation in the investigation and provision of all requested documents, the state government had summoned the trust's president to appear in-person without specifying further requirements. In response, Justice Gavai emphasized the Supreme Court's involvement, stating, "Show them that the Supreme Court is seized of the matter."

Shamshad further elaborated on the situation, asserting, "We have pointed out that the Supreme Court is seized of this matter. They want the president to be present. He is a former Rajya Sabha member. This is completely extra-judicial." Responding to these concerns, the bench directed that no coercive actions be taken against the petitioner, the organization, or its office-bearers.

This development follows an earlier notice issued by the Supreme Court to the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh Government in response to a plea filed by Halal India Private Limited and Jamiat Ulama-e-Maharashtra. The plea challenged the ban on Halal certification imposed by the Uttar Pradesh Government in November of the preceding year. Notably, in November 2023, the Uttar Pradesh government had passed an order banning the production, storage, distribution, and sale of food products carrying a Halal label, effective immediately.