Wednesday, October 5 2005 19:08 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: A day after Allahabad High Court quashed the law that gave Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) its minority status, Congress today (Oct 5, 2005) said the university's minority character should be maintained and respected.

"Ever since the amendment in 1981, this institution has made notable contribution to the field of education and its minority character should be maintained and respected," All India Congress Committee (AICC) spokesman Anand Sharma told reporters when asked to comment on the court verdict.

Asked to comment on the court quashing HRD Ministry's notification permitting the university to reserve a quota for Muslims in post-graduate medical courses, he said the decision was of AMU which was subsequently consented to by the ministry.

He said it was for the AMU authorities to respond to the judgement and take an appropriate view about the course of action and available remedies.

Besides AMU, it was HRD Ministry, which would be competent to take note of the developments, Sharma said adding as far as Congress was concerned the AMU should have the minority character.