Maharashtra’s ‘Malhar’ Certification for Hindu-only Mutton Shops | What It Means

Mumbai: Maharashtra minister Nitesh Rane launched a new initiative to register all jhatka mutton shops under the Malhar certificate, a certification aimed at ensuring that Hindus and Sikhs have access to meat prepared according to their religious beliefs. 

The initiative, announced on Monday, seeks to function in a manner similar to the existing Halal certification, which ensures meat is prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary laws.  

What is Malhar Certification?

The Malhar certification has been introduced to provide a standardized label for Jhatka meat—a method in which animals are slaughtered instantly with a single blow, unlike Halal, where the animal is slaughtered slowly while prayers are recited.  

Rane stated that MalharCertification.com, a dedicated platform, has been launched for jhatka meat suppliers and that the initiative will be exclusively operated by Hindus from the Khatik community, who have traditionally been involved in butchery.  

“Today, we have taken an important step for the Hindu community in Maharashtra. This initiative will ensure that Hindus have access to Jhatka mutton shops meant for them,” said Rane. 

He urged Hindus to purchase mutton only from Malhar-certified shops, emphasizing that the certification guarantees meat prepared in accordance with Hindu religious traditions.  

In November 2023, Air India made headlines when it announced that it would no longer serve Halal-certified meals to Hindu and Sikh passengers on international flights.  

Supporters of the Jhatka method argue that it is a more ethical practice, as the animal is killed instantly, avoiding prolonged suffering. The Malhar certification aims to unify Hindu butchers under a single platform, ensuring that non-Halal meat is available for communities that prefer it.  

Malhar Certification Standards and Regulations

According to the official Malhar Certification website, the meat sold under this label must meet the following criteria: 

- Fresh and clean  

- Free from saliva contamination 

- Not mixed with any other animal meat  

- Exclusively sold by vendors from the Hindu Khatik community