Madrasa Education Act Upheld: The Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, which regulates madrasa education in the state. This overturned a previous Allahabad High Court decision that struck down the Act.
State’s Authority Affirmed: The Court asserted the state’s power to regulate madrasa education, including aspects of the syllabus that involve religious instruction. This was deemed necessary to ensure quality and mainstreaming of education.
Secularism and Diversity: The Court emphasized that India’s rich history of diversity should be preserved and that secularism doesn’t necessitate the isolation of religious education.
Mainstreaming Madrasas: Chief Justice Chandrachud highlighted the importance of mainstreaming madrasas to avoid ghettoization and promote integration. He stressed that religious instruction is not exclusive to Islam and is prevalent in various educational institutions across different faiths.
Balancing Religious Instruction and Secular Education: The Court acknowledged the constitutional recognition of religious instruction (Article 23) while underscoring the state’s role in ensuring the quality of secular education within madrasas.
Promoting National Interest: The judgment emphasized the need to balance religious instruction with broader national interests, ensuring that young minds receive a well-rounded education that prepares them for a diverse and inclusive society.