Supreme Court Upholds Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Act; Madrasas Can't Grant Higher Degrees

Nov 5, 2024, 07:30 AM

On Tuesday, a Supreme Court bench headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud upheld the constitutional validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Act 2004, overturning an earlier Allahabad High Court decision from March 22 that had struck down the Act for violating the principle of secularism. The Supreme Court held that the Act does not violate secularism and that the state is obligated to ensure education standards in madrasas. However, it stated that madrasas cannot grant degrees of higher education, as this would contravene the University Grants Commission Act. The ruling brings relief to approximately 13 lakh students studying in madrasas across Uttar Pradesh. The Act provides a legal framework for madrasa education, combining the NCERT curriculum with religious education.