The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Act, 2004, which regulates the operation of madrasas across the state.
This verdict overturns a previous Allahabad High Court order that deemed the act unconstitutional, citing a conflict with the principle of secularism. The High Court had directed that madrasa students be transferred to conventional schools, which the Supreme Court rejected, asserting that the law does not violate the Constitution’s basic structure.
Madrasas, traditionally Islamic educational institutions, have evolved to include subjects beyond theology, such as literature, mathematics, and, in some cases, natural science. According to government data, India has 24,010 madrasas, with the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Act setting standards for curriculum, examinations, and teacher qualifications. This regulation aims to provide a balanced educational foundation within these institutions.
Chief Justice DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra clarified in the ruling that legislation can only be struck down if it violates fundamental rights or exceeds legislative authority. The Supreme Court highlighted that India is a “melting pot of cultures, civilizations, and religions” and emphasized the need to preserve this diversity. Chief Justice Chandrachud further noted that the law aligns with the state’s obligation to ensure adequate education for children.
However, the Court did rule that the Act’s clauses concerning higher education levels—‘Fazil’ and ‘Kamil’—were unconstitutional, as they overlap with the University Grants Commission (UGC) Act’s jurisdiction over university-level education. This partial invalidation limits the Act’s reach while maintaining its core provisions regarding primary and secondary education in madrasas.
The ruling has significant implications for the educational landscape in Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing state oversight of madrasas while respecting constitutional guidelines. It highlights the balance between religious and secular education, affirming the state’s role in providing quality education across diverse communities.