Fri Nov 08 20:38:03 UTC 2024: ## Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Celebration: AMU Retains Minority Status

**New Delhi:** The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling on Friday, reaffirming the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), has been met with widespread celebration among Muslim clerics, scholars, and politicians. The court overruled its 1967 decision, stating that an institution does not lose its minority status simply because it was created by a statute.

**”Historic Victory” for the Muslim Community:**

Maulana Arshad Madani, chief of Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind, hailed the decision as a “historic victory” for the Muslim community. He emphasized that AMU has always been considered a Muslim institution, established for the betterment of the community. He believes this ruling will pave the way for other Muslim institutions to seek minority status, leading to improved education opportunities for Muslims.

**Landmark Judgment:**

Maulana Khalid Rasheed Farangi Mahli, chairman of the Islamic Centre of India, also lauded the decision, describing it as a landmark judgment. He highlighted the history of AMU, tracing its roots back to Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s vision of providing modern education within an Islamic framework.

**Political Reactions:**

The Congress party welcomed the ruling, with spokesperson Anshu Awasthi emphasizing the importance of protecting the autonomy of institutions like AMU and BHU from attempts by the BJP government to “turn them into their camps.”

Congress secretary Shahnawaz Alam noted the stark contrast in the positions of the Congress and BJP governments on the issue, highlighting the former’s support for granting AMU minority status.

Samajwadi Party spokesperson Ameeque Jamei lauded the verdict as a victory for the Constitution and a testament to the right of minorities to establish and run their own educational institutions.

**Future Uncertainties:**

While the Supreme Court has ruled that AMU’s minority status cannot be revoked simply due to its statutory creation, the final determination of whether it is indeed a minority institution will now be decided by a three-member bench.

The decision has sparked optimism within the Muslim community, with many hoping that the final verdict will reaffirm the university’s minority status, ensuring its continued role in providing quality education to Muslims and contributing to the overall development of the community.

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