Unrecognised Madrasas Cannot be Closed Solely for Want of Recognition: Allahabad High Court

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that authorities in Uttar Pradesh cannot seal or shut an unrecognised madrasa in the absence of any statutory provision permitting such action.

The Court was examining a challenge to an order passed by the District Minority Welfare Officer directing the closure of a madrasa solely on the ground of non-recognition.

The Court clarified that an unrecognised madrasa is not entitled to government grants, its students cannot appear in examinations conducted by the Madarsa Education Board, and qualifications obtained therefrom cannot be claimed for State-related benefits.

The closure order was accordingly quashed.

[Madarsa Ahle Sunnat Imam Ahmad Raza v. State of UP]