Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 27: The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday said it may approach the Supreme Court of India if it does not receive relief from the Uttarakhand High Court in petitions challenging provisions of a new state law on madrasa registration.
In a statement, AIMPLB president Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani alleged that the Uttarakhand government’s move reflects a broader attempt to weaken Islamic seminaries. The law mandates that all madrasas in the state must register with a government-recognised educational board.
Rahmani argued that the legislation violates constitutional guarantees, particularly those related to religious freedom and minority rights. He pointed out that Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution ensure freedom of religion, while Article 30 grants minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.
The Board stated that several petitions challenging the law are currently pending before the Uttarakhand High Court. If the outcome is not favourable, it is prepared to escalate the matter to the apex court.
Expressing solidarity, Rahmani said multiple organisations—including Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, and Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith—are backing the opposition to the law and will support efforts to protect the autonomy of madrasas.
He emphasised that madrasas have historically contributed to India’s freedom movement and continue to play a vital role in preserving religious and cultural values. Any attempt to curtail their autonomy, he said, undermines constitutionally protected rights.
The controversy stems from the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025, approved by Governor Gurmit Singh. Under the law, all madrasas must, from July 1, 2026, obtain recognition from the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority and affiliate with the state education board.
While the state government has projected the measure as a step toward standardising and modernising education, critics argue it raises serious concerns about minority rights and institutional independence.