• UGI USER
  • Jan 11, 2024
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THE AMU MINORITY CHARACTER DISPUTE

Why in the News?

  • A seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court commenced hearings on Aligarh Muslim University’s (AMU) minority character, a dispute existing for almost 57 years.

About the Dispute : 

  • Origin (1967): Dispute originates in 1967, reviewing amendments to the AMU Act of 1920. Changes altered governance structures and reduced the authority of the University Court.
  • Supreme Court’s 1967 Verdict: Court determined AMU wasn’t exclusively established or administered by the Muslim minority; it operated under a central Act for government recognition.
  • 1981 Amendment: In response to protests, authorities introduced an amendment affirming AMU’s minority status explicitly.
  • 2005 Reservation Challenge: Allahabad High Court overturned reservation in post-graduate medical courses, citing non-qualification as a minority institution as per the 1967 SC verdict.
  • 2016 Appeal Withdrawal: The government withdrew its appeal in 2016, stating concerns about setting up a minority institution in a secular state.
  • Current Hearing (2019 Onwards): In 2019, a three-judge Bench referred the matter to a seven-judge Bench. The hearings, started by the current Bench, are ongoing as of the latest update.
About Aligarh Muslim University (AMU )

·   Establishment: Established in 1875 as the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

·   Objective: To address educational backwardness among Muslims.

·   Status Change :Evolved into AMU in 1920, gaining university status with assets transferred from MAO College.