AMU Row: Centre to Withdraw Minority Issue Appeal From SC

The Centre has requested time from the SC to file an affidavit claiming its withdrawal from the issue.

Aligarh Muslim University. (Photo Courtesy: The News Minute)

The Centre has decided to withdraw its appeal from the Supreme Court which, was filed by the previous UPA government challenging the Allahabad High Court verdict of calling Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) a minority institution.

Attorney General Mukul Rohtagi made a statement in the Supreme Court on behalf of the centre, reports India Today.

Over 50 percent seats can be reserved by internal students, irrespective of their religion, by an educational institution that carries that status of ‘minority.’

The Allahabad High Court’s verdict was to file a fresh affidavit claiming that AMU is not a minority institution. Withdrawing the appeal means the centre has decided not to challenge the High Courts’ decision.

The centre as of 4 April has sought for more time from the SC to file an application to this effect, reports The Economic Times.

In January 2006, the Allahabad HC struck down the Act of 1981 wherein the status of minority institution was given to AMU by the Indira Gandhi government. The then UPA, as well as AMU, had challenged the verdict.

Post-summer recess, after the Assembly Elections in Assam and West Bengal, the matter will come up in the Supreme Court.