In a major relief to nearly 30 madarsas in Uttar Pradesh’s Shrawasti district, the Allahabad High Court directed that the seals imposed on their functioning be immediately removed. Justice Pankaj Bhatia passed the order while hearing a batch of petitions challenging government notices that had effectively shut down the institutions by prohibiting imparting of religious education and threatening action for non-compliance.
The petitioners argued that they were neither given an opportunity of hearing nor properly served with the impugned notices, which they said were issued without application of mind. The Court, which had earlier granted interim relief in June, accepted the contention and ruled that the closures could not be sustained.
While ordering reopening, the Bench clarified that authorities remain free to issue fresh orders after following due process and granting the madarsas a fair hearing.
Appearances:
Petitioners: Senior Advocate Prashant Chandra, assisted by Advocates Aviral Raj Singh and Ali Moid, with legal aid coordinated by Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind leaders.