Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind President Maulana Mahmood Madani has welcomed the Supreme Court’s interim order, which temporarily halts the implementation of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) directive. The directive had called for the derecognition of madrasas and transfer of students from independent madrasas to mainstream schools. Maulana Madani hailed the ruling as a “breath of fresh air,” but emphasised that the fight for justice is far from over.
Maulana Madani also criticised NCPCR Chairman Priyank Kanoongo for disregarding the realities of the situation. He pointed out that Kanoongo seems to be intentionally overlooking important facts.
“He objects to the Islamic studies curriculum, which some may mistakenly view as reasonable, though the truth is quite the opposite. If he were open to dialogue, I believe he would better understand the matter. Unfortunately, his approach appears to be both confrontational and biased,” said Madani.
Madani further criticised Kanoongo’s resistance to Jamiat’s efforts to provide modern education. He highlighted that JUH(M) has been actively integrating modern education through its Jamiat Study Centres, which are affiliated with NIOS.
Maulana Madani said madrasas play a key role in the educational and cultural preservation of society. He reaffirmed that madrasas operate within the framework of the Constitution.
“The graduates of these institutions have consistently contributed to the nation’s progress. Madrasas were also instrumental in India’s struggle for independence, a fact acknowledged by the Constitution, which recognises their legal status. However, there are now attempts to undermine these hard-earned achievements,” he warned.
Madani firmly declared, “Our struggle will continue until justice is secured.”
