Minority Educational Institutions Face Harassment Despite Legal Protections in Karnataka

Karnataka Government Under Fire for Alleged Misconduct Against Minority-Run Educational Institutions

Legal Battle Looms as Minority Schools in Karnataka Plan Contempt of Court Case

Minority Institutions in Trouble: "Education Department is Indulged in Extortion & Bribery" 

Bangalore: Karnataka is home to approximately 10,000 minority-run educational institutions, which operate under the legal protections afforded to them by the Indian Constitution. However, a serious issue has come to light regarding the harassment these institutions face from the state's education department, as detailed by Advocate CR Imtiaz, Chairman of the Federation of Minority Institutions, during an exclusive interview with a private Media Channel.

Advocate Mohammed CR Imteyaz, President of Federation 

CR Imtiaz highlighted that under Article 141 of the Karnataka Education Act, minority institutions are exempt from certain regulations imposed on other schools. Despite this, officials from the Education Department allegedly coerce these institutions into complying with the Act, violating their legal protections.

Referencing the landmark TMA Pai vs. State of Karnataka case, Imtiaz reiterated that the Supreme Court's 11-judge bench clearly ruled against government interference in the affairs of minority institutions. Yet, he claims that these protections are being ignored, with education officials reportedly exploiting their power to enforce unnecessary rules and regulations.

One of the most egregious examples Imtiaz provided was the illegal collection of renewal fees. Legally, institutions are required to renew their licenses every five years for a fee of ₹1 lakh. However, officials are allegedly demanding this fee annually, amounting to ₹5 lakhs over five years—an act Imtiaz condemns as blatant bribery.

In response to this ongoing harassment, CR Imtiaz and his organization have submitted multiple memorandums to key political figures, including Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Minority Affairs Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Chief Minister’s Political Secretary Naseer Ahmed, and Assembly Speaker UT Khader. Despite these efforts, no effective action has been taken to address their grievances.

The delegation also met with Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa and other top officials, including the principal secretary and the education commissioner, but their pleas have gone unanswered, leaving them in a state of frustration.

In a last-ditch effort, CR Imtiaz turned to the Karnataka State Minorities Commission, chaired by U Nisar Ahmed, only to leave empty-handed once again.

With no resolution in sight from the state government, Imtiaz has sought legal recourse by approaching the Supreme Court. The court advised him to submit another memorandum to the government and approach the High Court if the issue remained unresolved. Imtiaz and his team have followed this directive and are now awaiting the government's response. Should the government fail to act within 15 days, they plan to file a contempt of court case against the responsible officers in the High Court.

The continued harassment of these minority institutions underscores a broader issue of systemic corruption and disregard for legal protections, leaving those affected feeling abandoned by the very system meant to protect their rights.

QUOTES from the news story:

1. CR Imtiaz: "The Education Department is indulging in extortion and bribery by illegally demanding annual renewal fees from minority institutions."

2. CR Imtiaz: "Despite the landmark TMA Pai case, which clearly ruled against government interference in the affairs of minority institutions, these legal protections are being ignored."

3. CR Imtiaz: "We have submitted multiple memorandums to key political figures, yet our pleas have gone unanswered, leaving us frustrated and helpless."

4. CR Imtiaz: "The government's failure to act within 15 days will force us to file a contempt of court case against the responsible officers in the High Court."

5. CR Imtiaz: "Minority institutions are facing systemic corruption and harassment, with no support from the very system that should be protecting their rights."