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. |