New Delhi, April 27, 2026
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) said on Monday that it may approach the Supreme Court if the Uttarakhand High Court does not grant relief in pleas challenging certain provisions of the state government’s law on madrasa registration.
Alleging that there appears to be a concerted attempt to undermine Islamic seminaries, the Board, in a statement, said that the Uttarakhand government has introduced a law making it mandatory for all madrasas to register with a government educational board.
“We believe that this law is in clear violation of the guarantees and Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution; indeed, it is also contrary to the very expectations from a secular state,” said AIMPLB President Maulana Khalid Saifullah Rahmani.
“Some cases related to this matter are currently under consideration before the Uttarakhand High Court, and if necessary, the matter will also be taken to the Supreme Court,” he said.
Offering support to the cause on behalf of organisations such as Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, Majlis Ittehad-e-Millat, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith, Rahmani said that opposing the law and preserving the constitutionally guaranteed autonomy of madrasas is the responsibility of the entire Muslim community.
“In this regard, all representative organisations stand with you and will extend their fullest possible support to the madrasas,” he said.
Reiterating his criticism of the Uttarakhand move, Rahmani said the Constitution of India guarantees religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26, while Article 30 grants religious minorities the right to establish and administer their own educational institutions.
He said religious seminaries (madrasas) are among the most vital institutions for the preservation of religious values and that the Constitution recognises these as Fundamental Rights; therefore, their protection is a collective responsibility of the Muslim community.
Madrasas have played a significant role in the freedom struggle and development of the country and continue to do so, he said. However, he added, it is regrettable that certain elements are attempting to deprive minorities of their religious identity.
In October last year, Governor Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh approved the Uttarakhand Minority Education Bill, 2025. With the implementation of this law, all madrasas operating in the state will, from July 1, 2026, be required to obtain recognition from the Uttarakhand Minority Education Authority and affiliation with the Uttarakhand School Education Board. This move is expected to be a milestone in making the state’s education system more uniform, inclusive and modern.(Agency)
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