New Delhi, November 25, 2024: The Secretary of Markazi Taleemi Board, Syed Tanveer Ahmed has welcomed the SC decision upholding the UP Madrasa Act 2004.
In a statement to the media, the MTB Secretary said, “We welcome the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling upholding the UP Madrasa Education Act. The Supreme Court’s decision overturns the Allahabad High Court’s earlier ruling that had declared the Act unconstitutional. The SC judgment marks a significant step forward in upholding the educational rights of minority communities in Uttar Pradesh. The Supreme Court’s decision not only safeguards the right of madarsa students to pursue education but also affirms the constitutional principles that protect religious minorities and their educational institutions. This verdict reinforces the state’s positive obligation to enable these institutions to impart both religious and secular education without compromising their identity.”
Syed Tanveer continued, “We concur with the Hon’ble bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, Justices JB Pardiwala, and Manoj Misra, who emphasized that the constitutional principle of secularism that the mere inclusion of religious training or instruction within a legislative framework does not render it unconstitutional. The SC has correctly firmly clarified that secularism is about “living and letting live,” promoting a harmonious coexistence of diverse educational approaches within India’s pluralistic society. Markazi Taleemi Board feels that the judgment highlights several crucial points like (A) The Court affirmed that the Madarsa Act is aligned with the state’s duty to standardize education in madarsas, ensuring students achieve competency levels that enable societal participation and economic livelihood. (B) By interpreting Article 21A and the Right to Education Act in harmony with the rights of religious and linguistic minorities, the Supreme Court upheld the principle that madarsas can impart secular education while maintaining their religious character.”
Commenting on the broader relevance of the judgment, the MTB Secretary said, “By upholding the UP Madrasa Act, the apex court has affirmed that such institutions contribute meaningfully to our society, and this judgment sends a reassuring message to all educational establishments that aim to preserve their cultural and religious identity. This balanced and just decision will help the aspirations of around 17 lakh madarsa students in Uttar Pradesh, reinforcing their right to educational empowerment within the framework of their cultural values and constitutional rights. We hope this judgment puts an end to the vicious campaign by some agencies that have been trying to malign the image of madrasas and create a false binary between madrasas and the RTE (right to education).”
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