NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday upheld the validity of Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, which Allahabad high court had struck down as ‘non-secular’, ordering closure of madrasas. However, it said that state has a vital interest in regulating madrasas to improve standards of education.
The SC calrified that while regulating standards of education in madrasas, state can’t violate minority community’s right to establish and administer educational institution. The apex court said the HC erred in terming Madarsa Act unconstitutional as it only allowed govt to regulate education stndards.
The SC said Madrasas granting certificates beyond class XII – Kamil and Fazil – cannot be recognised by UP Madarsa Board as these are in conflict with the UGC Act. This means the 13,000-odd madrasas would continue to function in UP with the state regulating the education standards.