Supreme Court stays Allahabad HC’s decision to strike down Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board Act

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) – The Supreme Court has stayed the decision of the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow Bench that had declared the ‘Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act 2024’ unconstitutional. The Supreme Court has also sought a response from the Uttar Pradesh Government. The High Court had made this declaration on 22 ^nd March 2024 and had directed the inclusion of about 17 lakh students from madarasas into general schools. This decision was challenged in the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, in granting the stay, noted that the High Court’s decision would affect 17 lakh students and stated that directing students to transfer to other schools is not appropriate.

Courtesy TIMES NOW Navbharat

What is the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board Act ?

The ‘Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Board Education Act 2004’ is a law enacted by the Uttar Pradesh Government. It was created to improve the educational system of madarasas in the State and to provide better employment opportunities to students. As per this law, madarasas fulfilling certain criteria would be accredited by the board. Opponents of the law argue that it hinders madarasas from imparting secular education.

8,441 madarasas not accredited

A survey conducted from September 2022, to November 2022, found that approximately 8,441 madarasas in the State were not accredited. According to the Government, there are 15,613 accredited madarasas in Uttar Pradesh as of now. In October 2023, the Government established a special investigation team to probe into madarasas, focusing particularly on their foreign funding.