Allahabad High Court Raps National Human Rights Commission Over Probe Into 558 UP Mad
Allahabad High Court Raps National Human Rights Commission Over Probe Into 558 UP Madrasas, Questions Jurisdiction
M.U.H
29/04/202625
The Allahabad High Court has sharply criticised the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) for allegedly exceeding its jurisdiction by directing an inquiry into allegations against 558 aided madrasas in Uttar Pradesh.
Court “Astounded” by NHRC Action
A bench of Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Vivek Saran said it was “prima facie astounded” that the NHRC ordered the Economic Offence Wing to investigate the matter.
The court questioned whether such directions fall within the Commission’s legal powers. It observed that human rights commissions are not tribunals and cannot act like courts to adjudicate disputes.
“The Commission must realise that it is not a tribunal under the law which can try cases,” the bench noted, adding that such issues could instead be addressed by constitutional courts through appropriate legal remedies.
Remarks on Selective Intervention
The court also made strong observations about what it described as selective intervention by human rights bodies.
“This Court is not aware of the NHRC taking suo motu cognisance in situations where vigilantes take the law in their own hands,” the bench said. It added that there was little evidence of action in cases where members of the Muslim community faced violence or lynching.
The judges remarked that even everyday interactions across communities have become “fearful acts” in some situations, yet such matters rarely see suo motu action from commissions.
Case Background
The observations came while hearing a petition filed by the Teachers Association Madaris Arabia, which challenged the NHRC’s February 2025 order.
The complaint before the NHRC had alleged irregularities in aided madrasas, including misuse of government funds and appointment of unqualified teachers.
However, the petitioners argued that the NHRC does not have the authority to order such an inquiry, especially in cases not involving direct human rights violations or those older than one year.
High Court Extends Stay
The High Court had earlier stayed the NHRC’s order in September 2025. During the latest hearing, it extended the interim relief and issued notice to the Commission.
The bench said that if intervention was required, the Commission could file a complaint or recommend registration of an FIR, but directly ordering probes in such matters raised legal concerns.
The matter will now be heard along with related cases on May 11, 2026.
