New Delhi- In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India overturned a 1967 judgment and restored the minority status of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

The 4:3 decision by a seven-judge Constitution bench was hailed by All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) President Asaduddin Owaisi as an important day for Muslims in India.

The 1967 judgment had negated AMU's minority status, a decision Owaisi contested, citing Article 30 of the Indian Constitution. This article guarantees minorities the right to establish and manage their educational institutions.

Owaisi emphasized that the ruling underscores the right of minorities to education. He congratulated AMU students and faculty and stressed that the institution's minority status remains intact regardless of its pre-Constitution establishment or government affiliation.

The AIMIM chief further criticized the BJP's historical opposition to AMU's minority status and urged the party to introspect and support the central university. Owaisi highlighted the disparity in funding between AMU and other central universities like BHU, urging the Modi government to provide equitable funding to foster academic excellence. Owaisi pointed out that AMU's Kishanganj center has been languishing for years and urged the central government to address its needs urgently.