New Delhi: In a landmark decision on Tuesday, India’s Supreme Court overturned a previous ruling by the Allahabad High Court that sought to ban Islamic schools, known as madrasas, in Uttar Pradesh. This ruling has paved the way for the continued operation of approximately 25,000 madrasas in the state, safeguarding the education of 2.7 million students and the livelihoods of around 10,000 teachers.
In March, the Allahabad High Court had deemed a 2004 law governing these institutions unconstitutional, asserting that it violated the principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The court had ordered that all students from madrasas be transitioned to conventional schools, a move that sparked widespread concern among the affected communities.
However, the Supreme Court’s decision to set aside the earlier order was met with relief. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, in his ruling, emphasised the state’s responsibility to ensure adequate education for all children, highlighting the important role that madrasas play in providing educational opportunities to marginalised communities.
“The act is consistent with the positive obligation of the state to ensure that the children get adequate education,” stated Chief Justice Chandrachud during the proceedings, reinforcing the importance of preserving diverse educational pathways for India’s youth.
The ruling has significant implications for the future of Islamic education in Uttar Pradesh, as it not only reinstates the legality of madrasas but also affirms the right of parents to choose the type of education they wish for their children.
As of now, there has been no official response from the Uttar Pradesh state government regarding the Supreme Court’s decision. Analysts speculate that this ruling could lead to a strengthened dialogue on educational equity and the role of religious institutions in India’s diverse educational landscape.
