New Delhi — In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India has upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Education Act of 2004, providing much-needed assurance for nearly 1.7 million students enrolled in madarsas across the state.
The ruling overturns a March decision by the Allahabad High Court, which had previously declared the Act unconstitutional, citing concerns over its alignment with secular principles.
The Supreme Court bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and including Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, criticized the High Court’s interpretation, clarifying that a law can only be deemed unconstitutional if the state oversteps its legislative authority. The bench emphasized that the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Education Act was enacted to standardize education quality in madarsas and falls within the state’s legislative competence.
“The Allahabad High Court misinterpreted the secularism principle in its assessment, as it failed to recognize that the Act’s primary purpose is educational standardization,” noted the Supreme Court in its ruling. The Court asserted that the Act does not compromise the secular nature of the state but rather seeks to enhance educational standards within madarsas, fostering a consistent quality of learning for students.
The ruling also addressed the standing of advanced degrees such as ‘fazil’ and ‘kamil’ awarded by madarsas. The Court clarified that these degrees, which are typically recognized beyond the 12th grade, will not be officially acknowledged by the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Board, as they conflict with the regulatory norms established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act. Such qualifications, therefore, cannot be deemed constitutional under state oversight.
The Supreme Court’s decision allows madarsas to continue under the educational framework established by the state, offering structured guidance for students’ educational journey. This ruling reassures parents and students alike, ensuring that the state’s regulatory oversight will continue to uphold quality and standardization in madarsa education for Uttar Pradesh’s significant student population.
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