Despite the court permitting 30 madrasas to reopen in Shravasti, the district administration continues one-sided action against, issuing notices that lawyers and organisations say amount to open contempt of court
NEW DELHI — A fresh controversy has erupted in Uttar Pradesh’s Shravasti district after the local administration issued a notice to Madrasa Masudiya Darul Uloom Yateemkhana Basheer, despite clear directions from the Allahabad High Court allowing previously sealed madrasas to function.
The development has once again raised accusations of selective targeting of Muslim institutions. Lawyers and organisations have openly alleged that the administration is acting in contempt of court and showing disregard for judicial authority.
The notice was sent by the District Minority Welfare Officer, demanding detailed replies from the madrasa by 30 August. The questions include whether the madrasa has approval from the “appropriate authority”, whether it is running on land as per government norms, the exact size of the land, and details of buildings, rooms and measurements.
The notice also asks for the number of students, with separate data for boys and girls, information on syllabus, sources of funds, audit reports, registration period of the managing committee, and details of any financial help from state or central governments.
The madrasa management said the sudden move has created uncertainty among staff and fear among children. A teacher from the institution, requesting not to be named, said: “The children were confused and scared when they heard about the notice. Many asked whether their classes will stop again.”
Earlier, the Allahabad High Court’s Lucknow bench had directed the reopening of 30 madrasas in Shravasti that had been sealed by the administration. The court had dismissed the government’s arguments and stressed that education must not be interrupted.
Yet, the latest notice indicates that officials have not changed their approach. Advocate Ali Mueed, who is representing the madrasa in court, sharply criticised the administration’s step. “This notice is a clear violation of the high court’s orders. Instead of following the law, the Uttar Pradesh government is running a campaign against madrasas. It is nothing but misuse of power,” he said.
Muslim organisations also voiced strong objection. Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Association’s General Secretary Diwan Sahib Zaman said the administration’s actions showed disregard for both the judiciary and the rights of Muslims.
“The administration should have respected the high court’s order first by ending the illegal closures. Only after that could any further notice be justified. Targeting madrasas in this manner is unfair and one-sided,” Zaman told reporters.
He further pointed out that non-recognised madrasas are not bound by the same rules as regular schools. “The Right to Education Act does not apply to madrasas or Vedic schools. Singling out madrasas is nothing but discrimination,” he said.
The controversy has caused unrest in Shravasti’s Muslim community, where education through madrasas has a long tradition. Parents worry that their children’s future is being endangered due to the administration’s hostility.
Mohammad Rashid, a father of two children studying at the madrasa, expressed his anger: “Our children want to study, but the government is treating madrasas as if they are illegal camps. Why is only Muslim education being questioned?”
Observers note that this is not an isolated incident. Over the past year, several districts in Uttar Pradesh have witnessed official crackdowns on madrasas. Despite repeated court interventions, officials continue to act as though they are above judicial scrutiny.
Legal experts say that ignoring high court orders amounts to contempt. Senior lawyer Farhat Husain commented: “When an order of the high court is not respected by district authorities, it weakens the rule of law. It sends a dangerous message that officials can target minorities without consequence.”
Muslim organisations are now demanding accountability from both the district administration and the state government. They argue that unless strict action is taken, the harassment of madrasas will continue.
Community leaders in Shravasti have warned that the situation could escalate. “We do not want confrontation, but Muslims cannot be treated like second-class citizens. If the government does not correct its approach, it will create bitterness among future generations,” said a local cleric.
