In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of India on Tuesday upheld the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Act, 2004, reversing the Allahabad High Court’s earlier judgment that had declared the Act unconstitutional. The Supreme Court’s decision allows madrasas in Uttar Pradesh to continue operating under the provisions of the 2004 Act.

A bench comprising Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, along with Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, delivered the ruling, which was reserved on October 22. Eight petitions, including the lead plea by Anjum Kadari, had challenged the Allahabad High Court’s decision. Earlier this year, on March 22, the Allahabad High Court had struck down the Act, citing it as a violation of the principle of secularism and ordering the integration of madrasa students into the general school system.

The Supreme Court, however, disagreed, asserting that the Act’s legislative intent was to standardize educational standards in madrasas, thereby enhancing educational access and quality within these institutions. “The Allahabad High Court erred in holding that the UP madrasa law had to be struck down for violating basic structure i.e. the principle of secularism,” the Supreme Court stated in its order.

The court also noted that secularism in the Indian context means “to live and let live,” referencing a statement previously made by Chief Justice Chandrachud during the April hearing. The CJI-led bench had then stayed the Allahabad High Court’s order, providing temporary relief to approximately 1.7 million madrasa students in the state.

The ruling reinforces the state’s autonomy in providing standardized education across religious schools, a move likely to influence future legislation around educational frameworks in religious institutions across the country.