Aligarh Muslim University to retain minority status, rules 7-judge bench headed by CJI DY Chandrachud

SC upholds 1967 Parliament Act, says it was enacted on 'intelligible differentia'

In a significant verdict, the Supreme Court on Tuesday unanimously ruled that the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) will continue to enjoy the status of a minority educational institution and that it cannot be taken away.

SC rejects Centre's plea, says AMU 'not just a university but a complete way of life'

The verdict was delivered by a seven-judge bench headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud. The bench upheld the validity of the Aligarh Muslim University (Amendment) Act, 1967, which was enacted by Parliament to declare AMU as a minority institution.

Key takeaways from the SC verdict on AMU's minority status

The Supreme Court held that the 1967 Parliament Act was enacted on an "intelligible differentia" and was not arbitrary. The court noted that AMU was established in 1920 with the specific objective of providing higher education to Muslims and that it has a long history of serving the educational needs of the Muslim community.

The court also rejected the Centre's argument that AMU had lost its minority character over time. The court held that the mere fact that AMU now admits students from all communities does not mean that it has lost its minority character.

The court further held that AMU is not just a university but a complete way of life for the Muslim community. The court noted that AMU has its own distinct culture and ethos and that it plays an important role in the preservation and promotion of Muslim culture in India.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's verdict is a significant victory for the Muslim community in India. It upholds the rights of minorities to establish and maintain educational institutions of their choice. The verdict also sends a strong message that the government cannot arbitrarily interfere with the minority status of educational institutions.