Nainital High Court has ruled that madrassas operating without registration cannot use the word “madrassa” in their name. The court stated that if any unregistered institution continues to do so, the district administration has the authority to take strict action. The order came while hearing over 30 petitions filed against the sealing of unregistered madrassas by the administration.
The single bench of Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari clarified that madrassas already sealed can only be reopened if their operators submit an affidavit declaring that no educational activities will be conducted there. The decision on future use of such premises will be taken by the state government.
During the hearing, madrassa representatives argued that they had already applied for registration with the Madrassa Board but were still awaiting approval. The state government, however, maintained that only 416 madrassas are officially registered, while the rest were functioning without permission. Authorities found several irregularities in unregistered madrassas, including teaching activities and religious practices, which led to their sealing.
Petitioners included Madrassa Abbu Bakar Siddiqui, Madrassa Jinnat Ul Quran, Madrassa Darul Ul Islamia, and over 30 others. They alleged that the sealing was carried out without following due process. The government countered that only unauthorized madrassas were sealed, while registered ones continue to function and receive grants.
