The Supreme Court has upheld the constitutional validity of the 2004 Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrassa Education Law, overturning an Allahabad High Court verdict that deemed it unconstitutional and violative of secularism ¹. This decision brings relief to teachers and students of UP madrassas, as the high court had previously ordered the closure of these institutions and relocation of students to other schools.

The Supreme Court bench, comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, stated that the law’s legislative scheme aims to standardize education in madrassas, providing a framework where both secular and religious education are imparted ¹. The court emphasized that a statute can only be struck down if the state lacks legislative competence.

The Allahabad High Court had declared the Act unconstitutional on March 22, but the Supreme Court stayed the order on April 5, providing a breather for approximately 17 lakh madrassa students ¹. With this verdict, the Supreme Court has reinforced the importance of inclusive education, recognizing the value of both secular and religious instruction in the country’s diverse cultural landscape.