In a landmark decision, the Allahabad High Court has clearly stated that Muslims will not be treated as a religious minority in the state any more.
The High court bench comprising SN Srivastava has said that Muslims should not be treated as religious minority in Uttar Pradesh. The court has taken considerations of materials on record includes many census reports such as census of 1951 & 2001.
The Allahabad HC was hearing the Anjuman Madarsa Noorul Islam Dehra Kalan versus State of Uttar Pradesh case. During the hearing, the bench of SN Srivastava has given directive to Uttar Pradesh to treat members of Muslims community equally as it treats people of other non-minority religious community.
There should be no any discrimination between Muslims and other non-minorities in any respect in accordance with law.
According to Census 2001, Muslims account for 18.5 per cent of UP’s total population. The court said that Muslims are economically strong in the state.
The high court judgment has come just before the Assembly election in the state. The first phase of polling will be held on Saturday.
The political leaders have reacted on the high court decision on the status of Muslim as minority in the state.
Congress leader Rasheed Alvi said:
I respect the HC verdict, but according to 1951 census, percentage wise, Muslims were always one per cent less or more. I don’t why HC has given this judgment.
Kamal Faroukhi, member of All India Muslim Law Board, has said on the court’s verdict that the decision was unfortunate. He said:
Without any disregard to court, I would say it’s unfortunate. Constitution clearly says that Muslims are religious minority. I don’t know in what circumstances the court decided to interpret the Constitution.
