NEW DELHI: The Uttar Pradesh government’s move against Halal certification could harm India’s share in the booming global Halal food market, which is predicted to grow from $2.67 trillion in 2024 to a staggering $5.96 trillion by 2033. As demand for Halal-certified products surges worldwide, India’s role in this market could be at risk if domestic policies stifle the industry’s potential.
A January 2025 report by the Dublin-based market research firm ResearchAndMarkets.com highlights the explosive growth of the global Halal food market, driven by increasing consumer demand for healthier, cleaner, and ethically produced food. According to a striking report published by Indiatomorrow.net, Halal certification, particularly in food products, has become synonymous with high standards of hygiene and quality, and the global Halal market is expanding rapidly, especially in non-Muslim countries across Europe, North America, and Asia.
However, the recent legal battle surrounding Halal certification in Uttar Pradesh (UP) has raised concerns. During a Supreme Court hearing last week, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, opposed Halal certification, citing its increasingly widespread application to everyday products such as wheat flour, water bottles, and even cement. Mehta questioned how such non-food items could be certified as Halal and suggested that certification agencies were inflating product prices by charging high fees, amounting to “lakhs of crores.”
In response, Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, a leading Muslim organization and petitioner in the case, dismissed the UP government’s claims as unfounded. Jamiat’s spokesperson, Azeemullah Siddiqi Qasmi, clarified that Halal certifications are mainly issued for products intended for export, particularly to Muslim-majority countries, and not for domestic sales. He pointed out that most Indian Muslims are not focused on Halal certifications for domestic consumption, as their primary concern is ensuring food complies with Islamic dietary laws when consuming food outside the home.
Siddiqi also rejected the accusation that Halal certification drives up prices in India, emphasizing that Halal certification is voluntary and serves a specific purpose: to facilitate exports to countries where Halal certification is legally required. “We help boost India’s exports and do not earn vast sums from issuing certificates,” he said.
The UP government’s November 2023 notification, which banned Halal certification for non-export products, triggered legal action against Halal certifying bodies like Jamiat and others. The Supreme Court intervened on January 25, 2024, directing the UP government to refrain from taking coercive actions against Halal-certifying agencies while the case is ongoing.
In the legal proceedings, Senior Advocate M R Shamshad, representing the petitioners, emphasized that Halal certification is a personal choice, not a compulsion, and pointed out that Halal products extend beyond food to include items like cosmetics and processed foods, where certification ensures that no forbidden animal products or alcohol are used in production.
Islamic scholars and leaders also underscored that Halal certification is necessary for businesses to meet international trade standards, particularly in Gulf countries and other Muslim-majority nations. They clarified that Halal certification ensures that products meet the dietary and ethical requirements of Muslim consumers, which include ensuring the permissibility of additives like preservatives used in water or cosmetics.
Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind Halal Trust CEO, Niaz Ahmed Farooqui, previously clarified that the Trust’s certification process is primarily focused on export markets, driven by the growing global demand for Halal products. He emphasized that Halal certification is a voluntary decision for both consumers and manufacturers. Farooqui also pointed out that the Trust adheres to government regulations and is registered with the National Accreditation Board for Certification Bodies (NABCB), in line with Ministry of Commerce guidelines.
Dr SQR Ilyas, the spokesperson of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has strongly condemned any attempt to ban Halal certification, arguing that such a move would infringe upon religious freedom and go against the national interest. In an article on the importance of Halal certificates, AIMPLB president and prominent Islamic scholar Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahman explained that while Halal certification is typically handled by governments in Arab countries, in nations like India, private organizations are entrusted with this responsibility—a practice that is widely accepted internationally.
The debate over Halal certification has extended beyond the food industry, with arguments about its impact on non-Muslim communities. Solicitor General Mehta raised concerns about religious groups, such as Sikhs, who may object to Halal-certified meat due to differing slaughter practices. However, Jamiat’s council in the court reiterated that Halal certification is a voluntary choice, and no one is compelled to purchase Halal-certified products.
The case will be heard again in the week commencing from March 23, with the the SC directed the UP government to file a rejoinder in the matter. In the meantime, the Union government has also submitted reply clarifying that the issue pertains to a state-level notification and does not involve the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, which oversees Halal certification for exports.
As the global Halal food market continues to expand, India’s participation in this lucrative market could be jeopardized if domestic policies restrict Halal certification. The outcome of this legal battle will be pivotal in determining whether India can continue to capitalize on this rapidly growing sector.