Court Grants Justice to Madrasas — Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind’s Legal Battle Succeeds
Reyasat Ali Sameer
Senior Correspondent
Lucknow/Shravasti : In a landmark judgment, the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court has granted major relief to madrasas in Shravasti district that were sealed and declared “illegal” by the Uttar Pradesh government. The court held that the government acted arbitrarily without following due legal process or principles of natural justice, thereby violating Article 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Liberty) of the Constitution.
Background — Why and How the Madrasas Were Shut
In April 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government launched a special campaign to remove “illegal constructions” in districts along the Nepal border — Shravasti, Bahraich, Siddharthnagar, Maharajganj, and Balrampur. During this drive, several madrasas were declared illegal and shut down. Out of 297 madrasas in Shravasti district, 110 were sealed and 20 were demolished without prior notice or an opportunity to be heard. The managements of the affected madrasas claimed that they possessed valid recognition certificates, which the administration ignored.
Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind’s Legal Struggle
The Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind represented the madrasas in court and argued the following:
No prior notice was served to the madrasas.
Sealing and demolitions were carried out without giving any chance to explain or defend.
Notices carried identical serial numbers, indicating that the administration had issued “copy-paste” orders.
The court took these points seriously. On June 5, 2025, Justice Jaspreet Singh’s vacation bench issued an interim order preventing the demolition of 27 madrasas and sought a response from the state government.
Final High Court Order
On August 21, 2025, Justice Pankaj Bhatia’s bench quashed all disputed notices. The court ruled that the government had violated the principles of natural justice (right to a fair hearing) and constitutional procedure. It further directed that in the future, the government must issue proper notices, clearly specify allegations, and provide the concerned parties with an opportunity to be heard before taking any action.
The present order applies only to the madrasas in Shravasti district. Cases from other districts will be reviewed separately.
Reaction from Maulana Mahmood Madani
Welcoming the verdict, Maulana Mahmood Madani, President of Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind, said:
“This judgment is not only a safeguard for madrasas but also a victory for justice and the Constitution. Madrasas are the backbone of the nation and society, providing free education to poor children and shaping them into better human beings and responsible citizens.”
Uttar Pradesh Government’s Position
The Uttar Pradesh government has not yet issued any official statement on the verdict. However, during the April 2025 campaign, it had claimed that the action was necessary due to illegal constructions and security concerns.
Victory of Constitution and Justice
The reopening of Shravasti’s madrasas sends a strong message that administrative actions cannot bypass law and due process. This judgment upholds democratic values, religious freedom, and the right to education. It also serves as a beacon of hope for all institutions and citizens who place their trust in justice.
