Supreme Court Reinstates UP Madarsa Education Act, Upholding State’s Role in Educational Standards

UP Madarsa Education Act: In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has set aside the Allahabad High Court’s decision that declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, unconstitutional. This judgment, which came on November 5, 2024, emphasizes the state’s essential role in ensuring that madrasas adhere to modern educational standards.

The Allahabad High Court had, on March 22, ruled the Act unconstitutional, asserting that it violated the principle of secularism and instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to integrate madrasa students into the formal schooling system. In response to this, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, leading the bench, granted a stay on the High Court’s verdict in April, providing relief to approximately 1.7 million madrasa students.

During the hearings, CJI Chandrachud noted that secularism embodies the concept of “live and let live,” advocating for the regulation of madrasas in the national interest. He emphasized that India’s rich composite culture could not be disregarded by isolating minority communities. The court questioned the implications of upholding the High Court’s order, suggesting that it could lead to further segregation of communities rather than fostering integration.

The Uttar Pradesh government defended the Madarsa Education Act, arguing against the High Court’s sweeping declaration of unconstitutionality. CJI Chandrachud, along with Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, highlighted that recognizing madrasas as institutions providing religious education while ensuring they follow basic educational standards is crucial.

The court underscored that quashing the entire law would be akin to “throwing out the baby with the bathwater,” emphasizing the importance of religious instruction in the diverse tapestry of Indian society. It affirmed that the recognition of madrasas and their regulation is not an affront to secularism, but rather a means to preserve India’s multicultural identity.

Additionally, the Supreme Court clarified that madrasas cannot grant degrees or offer higher education in violation of the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, a stance aimed at maintaining academic integrity across educational institutions.

This landmark ruling not only reinstates the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act but also reiterates the court’s commitment to ensuring that all educational institutions, including madrasas, provide quality education aligned with national standards.