Minority Status to Aligarh Muslim University

• 09 Nov 2024

Why in News?

Recently, The Supreme Court ruled on the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU). The case stemmed from petitions seeking to restore AMU's minority status, which was struck down by the Allahabad High Court in 2006.

Key Points

• The Court overruled the 1967 Constitution Bench decision, which had stated that AMU could not be considered a minority institution as it was established by a statute and was a central university.
• Key Observations:
  • The court held that an institution created by a minority community qualifies as a minority educational institution, regardless of how it is legally constituted.
  • The purpose of such institutions is to preserve the community's cultural fabric.
  • Minority status does not depend on the institution being solely for the community, but predominantly benefiting it.
  • The Court found that the loss of administrative control by the community does not strip the institution of its minority character.
• Article 30(1) Significance:
  • Article 30(1) grants minorities the right to establish and manage educational institutions to preserve their educational and cultural values.
    • The right to administer does not require community members to manage the institution but ensures its autonomy to maintain community-specific educational goals.
• The AMU Case:
  • AMU, established in 1875, was granted minority status by Parliament through the AMU (Amendment) Act, 1981 but this provision was invalidated by the Allahabad High Court in 2006.
• Government's Argument:
  • The Centre argued that AMU, as an institution of national importance, cannot be considered a minority institution due to its national character.
  • The government contended that AMU is not limited to any particular religion or community.
• University's Stand:
  • AMU maintained that it was originally established by the Muslim community to provide education and empowerment to its members