The Lucknow bench of the Allahabad High Court has stayed any coercive action, including demolition, against 27 madarsas in Shravasti district until July 3. The interim order was passed by vacation bench Justice Jaspreet Singh while hearing a batch of petitions filed by the madarsas challenging notices issued on May 1 that sought to halt religious education.
Advocate Aviral Raj Singh, appearing for the petitioners, argued that the High Court had earlier granted relief in a similar case, and therefore these madarsas should be granted the same opportunity to present their case. The government counsel failed to submit a proper response despite having been granted time and sought two additional weeks.
The court observed that all notices bore the same reference number and appeared to be issued “without application of mind.” It held that the matter warranted judicial intervention. Granting the government counsel time to file a counter-affidavit, the court fixed July 3 for the next hearing. Until then, it ordered a stay on any coercive or demolition action against the madarsas.
