Asaduddin Owaisi, president of All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the 2004 Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrassa Education Law. Owaisi stated that the Yogi government has been consistently attempting to defame madrasas and label them as illegal, possibly due to unpaid salaries to teachers appointed in 21,000 madrasas, amounting to Rs 1,628.46 crore in 2022-23 ¹.

The Supreme Court’s verdict overturned an Allahabad High Court ruling that deemed the law unconstitutional and violative of secularism. The apex court clarified that the law’s purpose is regulatory, aiming to standardize education in madrasas, and does not breach 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 AIMIM chief emphasized that madrassa teachers provide education beyond religious instruction, covering science, math, and other regular subjects. Owaisi hopes that the outstanding salaries will be paid promptly. The Supreme Court’s ruling reinforces the importance of inclusive education, recognizing the value of both secular and religious instruction in India’s diverse cultural landscape ¹.