Feroze Ahmed Advocate Urges BJP Governments to Stop Harassing Madrasas
New Delhi: The Supreme Court’s decision, overturning the Allahabad High Court’s ruling declaring the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board unconstitutional, is a lesson for communal fascists, according to the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, which has welcomed this decision. This ruling has come at a time when Islamic madrasas are being harassed in various ways in BJP-ruled states. This statement was made on Tuesday by the President of the AIMM, Firoz Ahmed Advocate, in his reaction to the Supreme Court’s verdict. He noted that BJP governments and government agencies are harassing madrasas, emboldening communal elements who also wish to harm religious educational institutions. The Allahabad High Court’s ruling, which had declared the Madrasa Education Board Act unconstitutional, was a part of this trend.
The Supreme Court, in its decision, stated that imparting religious education to children is not illegal. The court has clearly emphasized that secularism means “live and let live.” This supports principles of harmony and coexistence in India’s pluralistic society, encouraging a diverse educational approach. The decision further clarified that the Utter Pradesh Madrasa Education Act is a part of the state’s responsibilities, meaning that ensuring quality education and enabling students to participate socially and economically is part of the government’s duty. The Supreme Court connected Article 21(a) and the Right to Education with the rights of religious and linguistic minorities, stating that madrasas can provide secular education while maintaining their religious identity.
In its statement, the All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat pointed out that most children studying in madarsas come from families living below the poverty line, and these madrasas offer free education to all without any discrimination, making a significant contribution to the country’s literacy rate. The Uttar Pradesh government has been sensationalizing the issue by categorizing even informal, part-time religious institutions as madrasas. Interference in madrasa activities goes against the Constitution and the law. The constitutional rights of Muslims, religious freedom, educational autonomy, and the holistic development of children cannot be compromised. Harassing madrasas under the guise of inquiries is also a disservice to national and society interests.
The Right to Education Act mandates the central and state governments to ensure quality education in children’s chosen institutions, and this law provides protection to religious madrasas, which bear the educational responsibility of over ten million children across the country, including millions in Uttar Pradesh, significantly contributing to the country’s literacy rate.