The Delhi High Court upheld the Centre’s decision to dissolve the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), established in 1989 to promote education among educationally backward minorities.

A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan dismissed a PIL filed by Syeda Saiyidain Hameed, John Dayal, and Daya Singh against the dissolution. The court stated that the decision by the MAEF general body was well-considered, and it found no impropriety in the process.

“The decision to dissolve MAEF has been duly taken by the general body of the MAEF, and this court finds no irregularity,” the bench, including Justice Mini Pushkarna, declared.

The petitioners had challenged the Ministry of Minority Affairs’ February 7 order instructing the MAEF to begin closure procedures promptly. The Centre defended its decision, stating MAEF’s obsolescence in light of the ministry’s comprehensive minority-focused schemes.

The court, after hearing both parties, reserved its verdict on March 13. The petitioners argued that the ministry’s order deprived deserving students, especially girls, of MAEF’s benefits and was arbitrary and malicious.

The petition highlighted concerns over the abrupt dismantling of a decades-old institution, impacting students, schools, and NGOs.

Source: PTI

Also read: Delhi HC reserves verdict on plea against closure of Maulana Azad Education Foundation