Owaisi Backs Supreme Court Madrassa Ruling
Owaisi Praises Supreme Court Decision on UP Madrassa Law
AIMIM President Asaduddin Owaisi has commended the recent Supreme Court decision, which upheld the 2004 Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrassa Education Law. The Supreme Court’s ruling on the Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law case came as a significant relief to madrassas in Uttar Pradesh, affirming their role in the state’s educational landscape despite recent challenges. Owaisi expressed his approval on November 5, criticizing the Yogi government for its approach toward madrassas.
Owaisi Criticizes Yogi Government’s Stance on Madrassas
In his response to the Supreme Court’s ruling, Asaduddin Owaisi emphasized the consistent attempts by the Yogi government to undermine the status and purpose of madrassas in Uttar Pradesh. According to Owaisi, these educational institutions have faced persistent scrutiny and defamation, often labeled as “illegal” or “subversive” without substantive grounds. The AIMIM leader argued that the recent Supreme Court ruling on the Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law is a corrective measure against such unwarranted negative portrayals.
Outstanding Teacher Salaries Raise Concerns
Owaisi also pointed out another pressing issue affecting madrassas: unpaid salaries for madrassa teachers. According to Owaisi, approximately 21,000 madrassas across Uttar Pradesh have teachers who are owed salaries by the state government. These arrears reportedly amounted to an astonishing Rs 1,628.46 crore for the fiscal year 2022-2023 alone. Owaisi has repeatedly called for the prompt resolution of these payment issues, stressing that the Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law should guarantee financial stability and recognition for madrassa educators.
Despite the significant unpaid amounts, Owaisi noted that madrassa teachers continue to provide students with a broad-based education, including not only religious instruction but also subjects like science, mathematics, and social studies. These unpaid teachers play a vital role in the holistic development of madrassa students, equipping them with the knowledge needed for diverse career paths.
Supreme Court Upholds UP Madrassa Law
In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 2004 Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrassa Education Law. The ruling overturned a previous verdict by the Allahabad High Court, which had declared the law unconstitutional on the grounds that it violated the principle of secularism. Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, along with Justices J.B. Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, clarified that the legislative framework of the law was within the state’s jurisdiction to enforce and aimed to standardize education within madrassas.
The Court further stated that only laws enacted outside the competence of the state legislature could be invalidated. In this case, the Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law was found to be valid, reinforcing that it aligns with the state’s educational and secular objectives. This decision was met with widespread relief among the madrassa community in Uttar Pradesh, ensuring that they could continue their educational activities without further legal obstructions.
Implications of the Supreme Court Ruling
The Supreme Court’s support for the Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law has major implications for madrassa students and teachers. The Allahabad High Court’s prior verdict had created a sense of uncertainty by ordering the closure of madrassas and relocating students to other schools. This directive, had it been implemented, would have disrupted the educational environment of countless students and impacted the livelihoods of madrassa teachers. With the Supreme Court’s recent ruling, however, madrassas can continue to operate as designated under the 2004 UP Madrassa Education Law.
Owaisi Calls for Continued Support for Madrassas
Reflecting on the Supreme Court’s ruling, Asaduddin Owaisi voiced his hope that the government would take steps to support madrassas further, particularly in meeting overdue salary commitments. Owaisi highlighted that madrassa teachers play an invaluable role in providing students with a well-rounded education. The Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law, he argues, should serve as a reminder of the importance of these institutions and the necessity of government support in maintaining their functionality.
Conclusion
Asaduddin Owaisi’s endorsement of the Supreme Court’s decision underlines the importance of respecting madrassas’ role within the educational system. By upholding the Supreme Court UP Madrassa Law, the Court has affirmed the validity of the 2004 law, ensuring that madrassas can continue to function legally and securely. With the spotlight now on the Yogi government, the hope is that it will address teacher payment issues promptly, fostering a supportive environment for madrassas across Uttar Pradesh.
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