The AMU Crisis, 1965-1981: A Legal and Constitutional Analysis of Minority Status

Description

Page: 1150-1153

Salman (Department of Political Science, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh)

This research paper examines the legal and constitutional dimensions of the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) crisis from 1965 to 1981. It looks into the tough challenges AMU faced in proving its minority status, going back to the roots of the crisis and breaking down the legal and constitutional issues that came up along the way. By focusing on pivotal judicial rulings, such as the Supreme Court’s judgment in Azeez Basha vs. Union of India (1968), the paper scrutinizes how interpretations of constitutional provisions related to minority rights significantly shaped the university’s status. Additionally, the study investigates legislative measures like the AMU (Amendment) Act of 1981, enacted to restore AMU’s minority designation, highlighting how political pressures and movements influenced these legal developments. Through a detailed analysis of judicial pronouncements, legislative amendments, and governmental attitudes, this research underscores the broader implications for protecting minority rights in India, using AMU as a case study. By exploring the legal controversies and historical events surrounding AMU’s minority status, the paper seeks to contribute to the broader discourse on the legal safeguards afforded to minority educational institutions in India, offering insights into the ongoing struggles to balance constitutional principles with the aspirations of minority communities. Ultimately, the research aims to enrich the understanding of AMU’s legal battles while reflecting on the broader challenges that minority institutions face in the Indian constitutional framework.