In a sensational verdict that may have far-reaching consequences across the length and breadth of the country, the Allahabad high court on Thursday ruled that Muslims were not entitled to a minority status in Uttar Pradesh.

The verdict came after a writ petition filed by a madrassa seeking funding by the government.

Issuing the judgment, the bench comprising Justice S N Srivastava declared, "Muslims do not merit to be included as minorities any longer and therefore, should not be entitled to benefits accruing on that account."

The verdict has caused a major sensation in the currently volatile political circles of Uttar Pradesh where electioneering is in full swing for the seven-phase Assembly poll commencing April 7.

Moved by Ghazipur-based madrassa Noor-ul-Islam, the petition had sought the court's intervention to get itself included in the list of Islamic institutions entitled to periodical government grants.

The petitioner had raised objections against "discriminatory practice" by the Uttar Pradesh government.

The petition said that while the grant was denied to the Noor-ul-Islam madrassa, there were so many other similar minority institutions receiving the same.

It had also challenged the very basis of including Islamic institutions in the list for grants-in-aid by the government.

Turning down the plea completely, Justice Srivastava questioned the very minority status of Muslims.