New Delhi: In a significant decision for madrasa education in Uttar Pradesh, the Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the constitutional validity of the 2004 Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Law. The ruling overturned a previous Allahabad High Court judgment, which had declared the law unconstitutional on grounds of violating secular principles.

The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud and including Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, emphasized that a law can only be struck down if the state lacks legislative authority. “We have upheld the validity of the UP madrassa law,” the CJI stated, adding that the legislative framework aims to standardize education in madrasas while also allowing room for religious studies alongside the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) curriculum.

This ruling brings substantial relief to the madrasa community, with around 17 lakh students and numerous teachers spared from the impact of the high court’s previous order, which would have closed down madrasas and relocated students to other schools in the state. The Supreme Court had earlier stayed the high court’s directive in April, pending its final verdict.

Welcoming the Supreme Court's ruling, Jamiatul ulama Hind President Maulana Mahmood Asad Madani called it a “victory for justice” and a positive development for Indian Muslims, particularly those involved with madrasas. In a press release, Maulana Madani expressed satisfaction with the verdict, viewing it as a reassurance for the madrasa community amid ongoing scrutiny. He noted that this judgment sends a strong message to those who propagate misinformation against madrasas, disregarding India’s constitutional values.

Maulana Madani further highlighted concerns regarding lower courts often favoring police and government positions in sensitive cases, compromising judicial balance. He commended the Supreme Court for reversing the high court's decision and reinforcing adherence to constitutional principles.