The Allahabad High Court in Uttar Pradesh declared the Madrassa Act 2004 unconstitutional, leading to an immediate ban on madrassas and Islamic schools in the state. This decision affects approximately 2.7 thousand students and 10,000 teachers in 25,000 madrassas.
Under the decision, students enrolled in Islamic schools are to be transferred to central schools, changing the educational landscape of many families.
Students were forced to transfer to central schools, disrupting their education.
Madrassas, which provide instruction in general subjects such as mathematics and science, along with teaching the Qur’an and Islamic history, have long been a cornerstone of education for many Muslim communities.
Critics say the move disproportionately affects the Muslim population as other religious educational institutions, such as Hindu gurukals, remain unaffected. Gurukals, like madrasas, offer learning in the ancient Vedic scriptures alongside conventional subjects under the guidance of a guru or teacher.
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The decision comes against the backdrop of perceived discrimination against Muslims in Uttar Pradesh, where the BJP-led government has introduced several controversial laws in recent years. The move raises concerns about the state’s commitment to secularism and equality, especially given Uttar Pradesh’s sizeable Muslim population, which makes up about 20 percent of the total population.
This is not the first case of such conduct; in January 2024, the Modi government faced criticism for withholding the salaries of more than 25,000 Muslim teachers, further escalating tensions. Additionally, in December 2020, Assam passed a similar law targeting Islamic schools, reflecting a broader trend of policies affecting minority educational institutions.
The implications of this decision extend beyond the educational realm and highlight broader societal debates surrounding secularism, minority rights, and government interference in religious matters. As stakeholders grapple with the fallout, the future of Islamic education in Uttar Pradesh remains uncertain, with implications for the state’s diverse cultural fabric.
