The Allahabad High Court paused a probe into 558 madrasas in Uttar Pradesh and raised sharp concerns over the role of National Human Rights Commission. The court heard a petition filed by the Teachers Association Madaris Arabia, which challenged the NHRC order and the state move to assign the Economic Offences Wing to investigate the institutions.
Justice Atul Sreedharan led the scrutiny. He questioned the priorities of the human rights body and its adherence to its legal mandate under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993. The court noted a lack of action by NHRC in cases involving mob attacks, communal violence, and lynchings targeting Muslims. It pointed out that such incidents often saw weak or flawed investigations.
The judge said the court had not seen clear instances where the Commission stepped in on its own when vigilante groups used violence based on religious identity. He added that even daily social interactions now carry fear in some areas.
The order also said the Commission appeared to move beyond its statutory limits. Such matters fall within the jurisdiction of constitutional courts under Article 226, which protects fundamental rights.
Justice Vivek Saran, however, distanced himself from parts of the observations and said all parties should be heard before critical remarks are recorded.
The court granted an adjournment, dismissed objections from the UP government, and set May 11 for the next hearing.