New Delhi: Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind (M), has welcomed the Supreme Court’s recent ruling overturning the 1967 Aziz Basha v. Union of India judgment. He expressed that the decision paves the way for restoring Aligarh Muslim University’s minority status and serves as a strong reaffirmation of minority educational rights in India. Maulana Madani also described the ruling as a clear rebuke to the Modi government, which he accused of attempting to undermine minority rights.
The 7-member SC bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, ruled that the minority character of an institution cannot be dismissed merely because it was established through a central act of Parliament. He highlighted that Article 30 of the Constitution, which guarantees minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions, applies to institutions founded both before and after the adoption of the Constitution. The court further clarified that minority status does not require an institution to be entirely managed by the minority community, but it must have been established by it.
Maulana Madani stated that this verdict is a significant message to the current government, which has consistently obstructed efforts to restore AMU minority status. He emphasised JUH’s steadfast commitment to safeguarding the constitutional and educational rights of minorities, highlighting its persistent efforts since the 1967 ruling.
He recalled the leadership of late Maulana Syed Asad Madani, under whom Jamiat led a 14-year campaign both inside and outside Parliament, culminating in the historic “All India Convention for Aligarh Muslim University” in 1981. This convention, attended by delegates from across the country, urged the government to amend the law to protect AMU minority character. In response, the 1981 Amendment Act was passed by Parliament. However, biases within the bureaucracy led to ambiguities in the Act, resulting in further legal battles. In 2006, the Allahabad High Court once again annulled AMU minority status.
Maulana Madani reiterated that AMU is a crucial legacy for Indian Muslims and must remain true to its original mission, particularly given the educational challenges facing the Muslim community today.
He also praised the persistent legal efforts of AMU, the AMU Old Boys Association, and other supporting organisations. He urged the Muslim community to focus on education, calling on the youth to pursue higher studies and actively contribute to the advancement of both the country and the community.
