India's Supreme Court has allowed the government to control the appointment of teachers in educational institutions run by religious minorities, a ruling Church leaders say violates their right to manage such institutions.

Ucanews.org reported that the country's top court upheld a West Bengal state law that allowed a government commission to screen candidates to be appointed as teachers in government-funded madrassas (Muslim religious schools).

"The order definitely will have a bearing in the administration of church-run education institutions, too," said Salesian Fr Joseph Manipadam, secretary to the Indian Catholic bishops' office for education and culture.