Supreme Court upheld constitutional validity of Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004 (Madarsa Act) | Current Affairs | Vision IAS
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Supreme Court upheld constitutional validity of Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act 2004 (Madarsa Act)

Posted 06 Nov 2024

2 min read

In Anjum Kadari and another v. Union of India and others, SC has set aside Allahabad High Court’s March 2024 judgement that struck down Madarsa Act.

  • It was struck down for violating principle of secularism (basic structure) and Articles 14, 21 and 21-A of Constitution and was ultra vires Section 22 of University Grants Commission (UGC) Act, 1956.
    • Section 22 provides that no degrees can be conferred by any institution other than the institutions defined under UGC Act.

Key Highlights of Judgement

  • Reverse HC order: SC held that a statute could be struck down if it violates Fundamental Rights under Part III and not violation of basic structure of Constitution.
  • Rationale of Madarsa Act: To regulate standards of education in Madarsas recognised by Board and State’s obligation is to ensure that students attain level of competency aiding their active participation in socio-economic setting.
  • Legislative competence: Madarsa Act is within legislative competence of State Legislature and traceable to Entry 25 of concurrent list (i.e. Education, including technical education, medical education and universities).
  • Partially Unconstitutional: Provisions regulating Higher Education degrees like 'fazil' (post-graduate degree) and 'kamil' (undergraduate degree) are unconstitutional as they are in conflict with UGC Act.

Regulation of Minority Education Institutions

  • Articles 29 and 30 deal with cultural and educational rights of minorities. 
  • Article 30(1): Guarantees right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice to religious and linguistic minorities.
  • National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI): Constituted as a quasi-judicial body by NCMEI Act 2004 to safeguard educational rights of minorities enshrined in Article 30(1).
    • It has adjudicatory, advisory and recommendatory roles and power of a civil court to discharge its functions.
  • Tags :
  • Regulation of Minority Education Institutions
  • Anjum Kadari and anr vs. UoI and others
  • UP Madarsa Education Act 2004
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