The Supreme Court of India has reaffirmed Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority status, reversing a 1967 ruling and upholding the institution's right to operate as a minority-run university.
This landmark decision is viewed as a pivotal moment for the educational rights of minority communities in India, especially under Article 30, which grants minorities the right to establish and manage their academic institutions.
Aligarh Muslim University, originally founded under the AMU Act of 1920, has had its minority status challenged multiple times in its history. Initially, AMU's status was revoked in 1951 following modifications to the act. However, the status was restored through a 1981 amendment to ensure the university could maintain its unique cultural and educational mandate. The Allahabad High Court later struck down this amendment, questioning AMU’s minority designation and prompting legal appeals that ultimately reached the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court’s ruling allows AMU to reserve up to 50% of its seats for Muslim students, reinforcing its ability to uphold educational opportunities for community members. This has broad implications for the university's admissions process and administrative policies, aligning its governance with the intended protections for minority institutions. Leaders in the Muslim community, including AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, have welcomed the decision as an essential affirmation of the rights of India’s Muslims. Owaisi emphasized that the verdict reinforces the need for fair government support of minority institutions, viewing the ruling as a step towards educational equity.
Legal experts and advocates for minority rights consider this decision a historic victory for AMU and minority institutions across the country. The ruling sets a precedent that could influence the legal standing and operations of other educational institutions run by minority communities, ensuring they retain the right to self-administration without interference. Many believe this decision strengthens India's cultural and educational fabric by safeguarding diversity within its education system.
The verdict marks a reaffirmation of constitutional protections for minority groups, highlighting the judiciary's role in defending these rights. With this decision, AMU and similar institutions now have a reinforced legal basis to continue their mission of serving minority communities through education.