Supreme Court Halts Verdict on Madrasa Education Act: Ensuring Secular Quality

The Supreme Court paused a High Court ruling against the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Education Act, citing its role in ensuring quality, broad-based education beyond religious teachings for about 17 lakh students. The Act was previously deemed unconstitutional, allegedly violating the secularism principle.

The Supreme Court has intervened in a crucial case concerning the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Education Act, providing a reprieve by halting a previous High Court decision that declared the Act unconstitutional. The court emphasized the importance of a broad-based education for madrasa students that extends beyond religious teachings.

In the ongoing legal battle, senior advocates, including Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Salman Khursheed, highlighted the state's vital interest in maintaining educational excellence across madrasas. The bench referred to constitutional Articles 28 and 30, underlining minority rights to establish educational institutions.

Crucially, the Supreme Court's intervention underscores the complexity of balancing religious education with secular quality standards. As discussions continue, the impact on thousands of madrasa students hangs in the balance, with the next hearing set for October 22.

(With inputs from agencies.)