Supreme Court Upholds UP Madrasa Act, Partially Overrules High Court's Verdict

The Supreme Court bolstered the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004, overturning an earlier High Court decision. However, it found the Act unconstitutional when related to higher education sectors 'Fazil' and 'Kamil'. The Court emphasized minority education rights aren't absolute and the state may regulate standards.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday reinforced the constitutional validity of the 'Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004', setting aside the Allahabad High Court's March 22 ruling that invalidated the Act. The bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud alongside Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, maintained that the Madrasa Act becomes unconstitutional when it attempts to regulate higher education for 'Fazil' and 'Kamil', areas that clash with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act.

Addressing the state's role in educational standards, the bench pronounced that while minorities have the right to administer educational institutions, such rights are not absolute. The state maintains its ability to oversee educational quality. Their verdict aimed to clarify the misunderstandings surrounding the Act's interference in daily operations, asserting instead its protective stance on minority rights in Uttar Pradesh.

The original Allahabad High Court decision had criticized the UP Madrasa Act for breaching secularism, considered part of the Constitution's basic structure. However, the Supreme Court pointed out that constitutional breaches do not include secularism violations. As India's cultural, civilizational, and religious diversity underscores the country's commitments, the court highlighted the necessity of balancing educational rights with national standards.

(With inputs from agencies.)