The Uttar Pradesh government’s recent opposition to Halal certification has raised concerns about its potential impact on India’s stake in the booming global Halal food market. According to a 2025 report by Dublin-based ResearchAndMarkets.com, the market is projected to grow exponentially, from $2.67 trillion in 2024 to $5.96 trillion by 2033, fuelled by increasing global demand for Halal-certified products, reported Times Now.
The report highlights a growing preference for healthier, ethically sourced food, making Halal products a benchmark for quality and hygiene. This trend is opening lucrative opportunities even in non-Muslim-majority regions, such as Europe, North America, and Asia.
Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments from Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the UP government, who questioned the broad scope of Halal certification. Mehta expressed concerns about certifying non-meat products like cement, bottled water, and iron bars, labelling it unnecessary and accusing certifying agencies of collecting exorbitant fees, allegedly inflating product prices.
In response, Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind dismissed the allegations as baseless. Its spokesperson, Azeemullah Siddiqi Qasmi, clarified that Halal certification is primarily issued for export-oriented goods, particularly to Muslim-majority nations, and not for domestic sales. He further explained that manufacturers voluntarily seek certification to meet import regulations, emphasising that the practice does not increase domestic product prices.
Siddiqi criticised the lack of awareness among Indian Muslims regarding Halal certification, pointing out that it is primarily a requirement for international trade. He added that items like cosmetics, processed snacks, and beverages often need Halal certification to verify that their ingredients comply with Islamic dietary laws.
The Supreme Court recently directed the UP government to refrain from taking coercive action against Halal-certifying bodies. Senior Advocate M.R. Shamshad, representing the petitioners, argued that Halal certification is a matter of personal choice, not compulsion. He emphasized that it extends beyond meat to ensure that products like cement and water, which may involve prohibited substances during production, meet Islamic requirements.
Jamiat’s CEO, Niaz Ahmed Farooqui, clarified that their certification process aligns with government regulations and facilitates India’s export market. He asserted that banning Halal certification would harm the economy and violate religious freedom.
Dr. SQR Ilyas, spokesperson for the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), condemned the move as an infringement on religious rights. He highlighted that while some Muslim-majority countries handle Halal certification through government agencies, private organisations manage it in India, adhering to global standards.
The Supreme Court has granted four weeks for the UP government to file its rejoinder, with the next hearing scheduled for March 2025. Meanwhile, the Union government clarified that the issue pertains to state-level regulations and that the Ministry of Commerce has no role in enforcing Halal certification.
As the global Halal food market continues to expand, experts warn that restricting Halal certification could undermine India’s export potential and damage its reputation as a key player in the international market.
