High Court strikes down UP Madrasa Law, orders transfer of students to Government Schools

The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, unconstitutional. This act, which governed madrasas or Islamic seminaries in the state, has been deemed violative of secularism by the court.

Ruling impacts thousands of students

The court's decision affects approximately 200,000 students currently enrolled in both recognized and unrecognized madrasas across Uttar Pradesh. These students will now be accommodated in regular government schools.

The court emphasized that the state government cannot create a separate educational board for a specific religion, as it goes against the principle of secularism enshrined in the Indian Constitution. The Madarsa Act, according to the court, promotes religious education exclusively, contrary to the state's duty to provide secular education.

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Criticism of Madrasa Education

The court highlighted the deficiencies in madrasa education, noting the absence or optional nature of modern subjects. It pointed out that education solely focused on one religion without a broader curriculum did not constitute quality or universal education.

The Samajwadi Party, which introduced the Madarsa Act in 2004, expressed disappointment with the court's ruling. They called on the government to appeal the decision in the Supreme Court to protect minority education rights in the state.

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In summary, the Allahabad High Court's ruling declaring the UP Madrasa Law unconstitutional underscores the importance of secularism in education and aims to ensure quality and inclusive schooling for all students in Uttar Pradesh.