New Delhi: In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India on Friday overruled a 1967 verdict that had questioned Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority status. The apex court declared that the AMU retains its minority character, a decision that has significant implications for the institution’s autonomy and governance.
The 1967 judgment had suggested that the university’s minority status could be compromised due to its acceptance of government aid. However, the Supreme Court, in its recent ruling, dismissed this argument, asserting that the university’s minority character is protected by the AMU Act of 1920.
The court’s decision has been widely welcomed by the AMU community, which has long contended that the university’s minority status is essential to its identity and academic freedom. The ruling is expected to strengthen the institution’s position as a leading center of higher education in India.
The Supreme Court’s verdict is a significant milestone in the ongoing debate over the rights and autonomy of minority educational institutions in India. It reaffirms the importance of protecting the unique character of such institutions, which play a vital role in India’s diverse educational landscape.