In a major relief for the Muslim community, the Allahabad High Court has ordered the reopening of Madrasa Anwarul Uloom in Shravasti, which had been unjustly sealed by the Uttar Pradesh Minority Welfare Department. The court strongly criticized the administration for shutting down the madrasa without verifying its documentation, reported the Clarion India.
Located in the Bangai Bazaar area of Jamunaha, the madrasa was sealed on April 27 on the grounds of lacking valid documents. However, the institution’s director, Mohammed Qasim, submitted proof that the madrasa was granted permanent recognition by the Basic Education Officer in 1974.
“I repeatedly informed them that our documents were in order, but they treated us as if we were criminals and locked the building,” said Qasim. Left with no choice, he approached the Allahabad High Court, which stayed the closure order on May 14 and instructed the administration to reopen the madrasa immediately. Despite the court’s order, the madrasa was only reopened on May 28, after the directive reached Qasim on May 17. Senior district officials were present during the unlocking.
“The court has restored our faith in justice,” Qasim stated. “Now, we are focused on bringing the children back. Their studies were severely disrupted.”
The closure of Madrasa Anwarul Uloom is not an isolated case. It reflects a broader pattern of targeted action against madrasas in border districts like Shravasti. Of the 297 madrasas in the district, only 105 are officially recognized. Shockingly, 68 unrecognized madrasas have already been sealed.
“This is not about regulation; it’s about selective targeting,” said Maulana Abdul Rahman, a senior religious leader. “Only Muslim institutions are being scrutinized and punished without due process.”
Legal experts also weighed in on the matter. “No authority can shut down an educational institution without following legal procedures,” said advocate Iqbal Ahmed, emphasizing that the High Court’s verdict sets an important legal precedent.
For 11-year-old Faizan, a Class 5 student, the reopening of the madrasa brings joy and relief. “I missed my teacher and friends. I just want to go back to school,” he said. Parents, too, expressed relief. “This madrasa is the only place we can afford. Its closure felt like a personal loss,” said Shakeela Bano.
Despite the court’s intervention, fear persists in the community, with many worried that other institutions may face similar arbitrary actions.
