“Divisive politics threatening Muslim identity”: AIMPLB opposes Uttarakhand madrasa b
“Divisive politics threatening Muslim identity”: AIMPLB opposes Uttarakhand madrasa bill
M.U.H
28/04/202629
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Monday, condemned the Uttarakhand government’s proposed madrasa regulation law, stating that it violates constitutional guarantees of religious freedom and minority rights.
In a statement, the Board said that “The Constitution of India guarantees religious freedom under Articles 25 and 26, while Article 30 grants religious minorities the full right to establish and administer their own educational institutions.”
This case comes after the Uttarakhand government introduced a bill making it mandatory for all madrasas to register with a government educational board, which would also determine the religious content permitted to be taught and prescribe the curriculum.
It described madrasas as “among the most vital institutions for the preservation of our religious values” and alleged that there is a “concerted attempt to undermine Islamic seminaries.”
Criticising the proposed law, the Board said, “This law is in clear violation of the guarantees and Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution… and is contrary to the expectations from a secular state.”
“It is deeply regrettable that certain elements, who have attained power through divisive and hate-driven politics, are attempting to deprive Muslims and other minorities of their religious identity,” they said.
It also objected to provisions mandating madrasa registration and allowing state control over curriculum and religious content.
Calling for resistance, the statement stated that “opposing it and preserving the constitutionally guaranteed autonomy of madrasas is the responsibility of the entire Muslim community,” and affirmed that representative organisations would extend full support.
They noted that the matter is currently before the Uttarakhand High Court and may be taken to the Supreme Court if necessary.
Earlier this month Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has announced the abolition of the state’s Madrasa Board, directing all madrasas to adopt the Uttarakhand Education Board curriculum from July 2026 as part of a move to introduce the uniform education system.
April 2025 also saw at least 170 madrasas sealed by officials in Uttarakhand, a move that many described as a targeted action against Muslim institutions.
Notably, Uttarakhand is the first state to implement a Uniform Civil Code, a move that has drawn criticism from many as “constitutionally flawed, legally untenable, and fundamentally violative of religious freedom and civil liberties.”
