The Delhi High Court has upheld the decision to close down the Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF), which was established to assist educationally backward minorities.
The Foundation had faced a significant budget cut in recent years, leading to a reduction in grants-in-aid. The court, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, ruled that the decision to dissolve MAEF was well-considered and lawful.
The petition against the dissolution of Maulana Azad Education Foundation (MAEF) was dismissed by the court, which found no impropriety in the decision taken by the General Body of MAEF. The court noted that the government has implemented various programs addressing the educational and skill development needs of minority groups, integrating initiatives similar to those of MAEF. It concluded that the dissolution of MAEF did not hamper the welfare programs for minority communities.
The petitioners argued that the government’s order to close MAEF deprived deserving students, especially girls, of educational benefits and was arbitrary and mala fide. They also raised concerns about the violation of legal procedures in the dissolution process.
The MAEF had experienced significant budget cuts in recent years, leading to protests. The Maulana Azad National Fellowship, which aided thousands of candidates, was discontinued in 2022, causing widespread discontent among students.
Senior Advocate Anand Grover represented the petitioners, assisted by a team of advocates. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, along with other government representatives, defended the Central government’s position in Delhi High court.
Read judgement here
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