March 10, 2025: Maharashtra’s Hindu-only mutton shops are now getting a “Malhar” certification. This certification is being introduced by the state government to ensure that mutton shops are run by Hindus and follow certain standards.

The Malhar certification website claims that the mutton sold in these shops is prepared according to Hindu religious traditions and is “jhatka” or “instant slaughter method, which is considered more humane.

The certification is being promoted by Maharashtra’s minister of animal husbandry and dairy development, Nitish Rane, who has appealed to the Hindu community to buy mutton only from shops with the malhar certification.

This move has sparked debate, with some questioning whether such a certification is necessary or if it promotes sectarianism.