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The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant verdict, upholding the validity of a 2004 law that regulates the functioning of madrasas in Uttar Pradesh. This decision comes as a major relief to the 16,000-odd madrasas in the state and the nearly 1.7 million students enrolled within them. The court overturned an earlier ruling by the Allahabad High Court that had declared the law unconstitutional and violative of the principle of secularism.
The High Court's decision had raised serious concerns about the future of madrasas in Uttar Pradesh. It had directed the state government to integrate madrasa students into the formal schooling system, potentially disrupting the established educational framework for these institutions. The Supreme Court, however, recognized the right of the state to regulate the standards of education, emphasizing that regulations aimed at improving the quality of education do not constitute interference with the administrative autonomy of madrasas.
The court acknowledged that the 2004 Act, while promoting the integration of madrasas into the mainstream education system, does not interfere with their day-to-day operations. The Act is seen as a positive step by the state to ensure that all children, regardless of their educational background, receive adequate education. While the Act includes provisions for religious training, the court clarified that this does not automatically render it unconstitutional. The court's ruling focused on the Act's purpose, which is to safeguard the rights of minorities in Uttar Pradesh and ensure that students from madrasas receive a quality education that enables them to earn a decent living.
The court did, however, find certain provisions of the Act relating to the conferment of degrees unconstitutional due to their violation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) regulations. Despite this, the court decided against striking down the entire legislation, highlighting the importance of the law's overarching purpose and its impact on the education of a large number of students. The court's decision to uphold the majority of the Act while striking down certain specific provisions demonstrates a nuanced approach that balances the need for educational standards with the protection of minority rights.
This case has implications for the future of madrasas in Uttar Pradesh and beyond. The Supreme Court's affirmation of the state's right to regulate education standards in madrasas while upholding their fundamental right to exist and function is a significant landmark judgment. The court's emphasis on the importance of mainstreaming and ensuring quality education for all students, regardless of their background, will undoubtedly be crucial in shaping educational policy in India in the coming years.
Source: "Throwing Baby With Bathwater": Top Court Junks Ruling Against UP Madrasas