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The Uttar Pradesh government has defended its controversial law regulating madrasas in the Supreme Court, arguing that the Allahabad High Court erred in declaring the entire law unconstitutional. The case stems from the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, which was designed to ensure quality education while adhering to constitutional principles in madrasas across the state.
The Allahabad High Court, on March 22, 2023, declared the Act unconstitutional, asserting that it violated the principle of secularism and demanded the state government integrate madrasa students into the formal schooling system. The UP government, despite supporting the law in the high court, refrained from appealing the verdict. However, in the Supreme Court, the government has taken a more assertive stance, stating that it stands by the validity of the Act and asserting that striking down the entire legislation is unwarranted.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, has questioned the validity of the Act, noting the state's wide powers under the law to guarantee basic quality education in madrasas. The court also acknowledged the possibility of state intervention if the quality of education in these institutions falls short of acceptable standards. The hearing is ongoing, with the Supreme Court set to hear arguments from various parties involved, including the Uttar Pradesh government, petitioners challenging the high court's verdict, and advocates representing the madrasas themselves.
This case has sparked significant debate about the role of religious education in India and the balance between religious freedom and the government's responsibility to ensure quality education for all. The Supreme Court's final judgment will have major implications for madrasas and the educational landscape in Uttar Pradesh and potentially across the country. The case is likely to be closely watched for its impact on religious freedom, education policy, and the broader legal framework governing madrasas in India.
Source: Stand by law on madrasas, Uttar Pradesh government tells SC