Action Against Madrasas in Uttarakhand: Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind Approaches Supreme Court
The Uttarakhand government has initiated action against madrasas based on the recommendations of the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR), leading to the forced closure of several madrasas. In response to this action, Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has filed a petition in the Supreme Court, with a hearing expected on March 25.
The NCPCR had directed both the central and state governments to shut down madrasas that do not fall under the Right to Education Act of 2009. The commission argues that these madrasas fail to provide quality education, a healthy environment, and opportunities for development to children, which constitutes a violation of their rights.
Similar notices were issued to madrasas in Uttar Pradesh on the same basis, prompting Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind to file a petition in the Supreme Court. On October 4, 2024, the Supreme Court ordered a halt to further actions against madrasas, stating that no additional measures could be taken by the government until a new ruling was issued by the court.
Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind has declared the recent actions in Uttarakhand unconstitutional and has filed a new petition in the Supreme Court on March 24. The petition states that since March 1, 2025, government officials have been raiding madrasas and closing them under verbal orders. The madrasas argue that they are non-aided minority educational institutions and that government intervention is illegal.
The petition demands that the court issue an immediate order to reopen the madrasas and restrain government officials from further intervention, as this process violates the Supreme Court’s ruling from October 21, 2024, and amounts to contempt of court.
