Allahabad HC Halts EOW Probe Against 558 UP Madrassas

In a significant legal development, the Allahabad High Court has temporarily halted an extensive probe by the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) against 558 state-aided madrassas across Uttar Pradesh. The investigation, which centered on serious allegations of financial irregularities, unapproved appointments, and other administrative anomalies, was put on hold by the court, citing concerns over the generalized nature of the accusations.

Justice Rajeev Singh, presiding over the case, issued the stay order in response to a writ petition filed by the Committee of Management of Madarsa Arabia Khairul Madaris and several other petitioners.

The court’s primary concern stemmed from the observation that the allegations presented by the state government were largely "general" and "vague," lacking specific findings against individual madrassas.

The state government had initiated this widespread investigation following a report from the UP Madarsa Education Board, which highlighted a series of discrepancies in the functioning and financial management of these religious institutions.

Subsequently, based on an EOW report recommending a deeper probe into financial and other irregularities, the government had provided a list of 558 madrassas located in 13 districts. District Magistrates were then instructed to lodge First Information Reports (FIRs) against these institutions, preparing for criminal proceedings.

However, the High Court expressed apprehension that proceeding with such a broad-based investigation without specific and substantiated charges against each institution could lead to undue "harassment" of the management committees and principals involved.

The court emphasized the need for precise allegations supported by concrete evidence before subjecting educational institutions to the rigor of an EOW probe.

The stay order means that the EOW cannot proceed with its investigation into these 558 madrassas until further directives from the court.

The Allahabad High Court has also directed the state government to file a detailed counter affidavit, providing specific details and justifications for the probe against each of the implicated institutions. This judicial intervention underscores the judiciary's role in ensuring due process and preventing potential misuse of investigative powers, providing a crucial reprieve for hundreds of madrassas under scrutiny.