In a significant development, the Supreme Court has temporarily suspended a decision by the Allahabad High Court to invalidate the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004. This decision comes as a major relief for approximately 17 lakh students enrolled in 16,000 madrassas across Uttar Pradesh.
The Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud-led bench expressed reservations about the high court’s ruling, stating that it appeared to be prima facie incorrect. Consequently, the Supreme Court issued notices to the Uttar Pradesh and central governments, as well as the Madrassa board.
The Allahabad High Court’s previous decision had deemed the 2004 law unconstitutional, citing violations of secular principles. As a result, the government was directed to take action, but the Supreme Court’s recent intervention has put this directive on hold.
The suspension of the ban allows madrassas in Uttar Pradesh to continue operating under the provisions of the 2004 law until further legal proceedings take place. This development offers much-needed relief to the thousands of students and institutions affected by the high court’s ruling.
