Muslim owner distressed, officials begin probe amid claims of targeting, free speech concerns, and questions over law in Uttar Pradesh
NEW DELHI — A fresh row has erupted over language and identity in Jaunpur district of Uttar Pradesh after an Urdu word on a restaurant signboard became the centre of online anger, leaving a Muslim shopkeeper shaken and raising serious questions about selective targeting of minorities.
The issue relates to Bombay Restaurant, located near Millatnagar on Jaunpur Road in the Shahganj area. A recently installed signboard carries the word ‘Halal’ written in Urdu in one corner. A video of the board was filmed and shared widely on social media, where it drew sharp reactions from several right-wing users.
Faizan Ahmed, the owner of the restaurant, said he never imagined that writing a single Urdu word would invite such hostility. Speaking over the phone, he said, “I run my restaurant with full permission and follow every rule. The earlier board was damaged. I only wrote ‘Halal’ in Urdu to inform customers about the food. I had no intention to hurt anyone.”
He added that he was upset by the tone of the online posts. “People who made the video created fear for no reason. Writing in Urdu is not a crime. I am an Indian citizen and this is my language,” Faizan said.
Local residents said the word had gone unnoticed for days. Many claimed that the anger began only after the video was circulated online. “We pass by the restaurant daily. Nobody objected earlier. The problem started on social media,” a shopkeeper from the area said.
The row comes at a time when Muslim traders in Uttar Pradesh say they feel watched and pressured over religious markers. Several activists point out that food choices and language are being dragged into public disputes, often putting minority livelihoods at risk.
Confusion has also arisen due to the Uttar Pradesh government order dated November 18, 2023, which restricted the sale of Halal-certified packaged food products inside the state. The order applies to certification of items like dairy, bakery goods, oil and snacks under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Halal certification for exports remains permitted.
Legal experts say the present case is different. Allahabad High Court lawyer Gyan Ranjan said that writing the word ‘Halal’ on a signboard is not banned. “There is no law that stops a person from writing ‘Halal’ in Urdu on a shop board. It comes under freedom of expression. This is protected under Article 19(1)(a), as long as there is no misuse,” he said.
He also clarified that the Jaunpur case is not linked to any certificate. “This is about a word and a language, not about illegal certification,” Ranjan added.
Officials from the Food Safety Department confirmed that they have taken note of the viral content. Food Safety Officer Devashish Upadhyay said, “A photo of the signboard is being circulated on social media. We have sent the area inspector to check the facts. Action will depend on what is found on the ground.”
Faizan Ahmed said he is ready to cooperate with authorities and has all required documents. “I have nothing to hide. I only ask that people do not turn language and faith into tools of fear,” he said.
The incident has once again opened debate on how ordinary actions by Indian Muslims are quickly turned into controversies, while questions remain on who benefits from such online campaigns and why simple words are being treated as threats.
