Authorities in India's Uttar Pradesh state have ordered the demolition of 38 out of 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, a Muslim-founded institution, triggering massive protests and a heated political dispute. The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) issued the demolition order on July 15, claiming the buildings were constructed without necessary approvals.
Demolition Order Issued
The RDA gave the university until August 5 to remove the disputed structures or face government demolition at its own expense. According to officials, only two buildings—including a proposed medical college block—had valid approvals. The state government later issued an interim stay on the order, but university officials clarified this only delayed the deadline, not canceled the demolition.
University's Legal Challenge
Vice Chancellor Zaheeruddin stated, "It means that the demolition will not take place by the August 5 deadline set by the RDA. The university is now seeking a verdict that quashes the demolition order outright." The institution has rejected the allegations and is pursuing legal relief, as reported by Al-Jazeera.
Founder and Political Background
Mohammad Ali Jauhar University was established in 2006 through the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, founded by veteran Muslim politician Azam Khan. The university, named after Indian freedom fighter Mohammad Ali Jauhar, occupies about 250 acres and serves nearly 3,000 students across dozens of academic programs. Azam Khan, 77, is a founding member of the Samajwadi Party and has served multiple terms in the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly, as well as representing Rampur in India's Parliament.
Student Protests
Students, alumni, and local residents have staged an indefinite sit-in outside the university's main entrance since the demolition order was announced. They argue that demolishing the institution would disrupt the education of thousands and threaten one of the region's prominent higher education centers. Former student Usama Tayyab questioned, "If a federal minister can be forced to resign following the CJP protest, why can't the Uttar Pradesh government be forced to stop the demolition of the university when so many students are agitating here?"
Political Controversy
The dispute has reignited political tensions in Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, governed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) since 2017. After the BJP came to power, numerous criminal cases were filed against Azam Khan, including allegations of land grabbing, forgery, and hate speech, several of which relate directly to the university. Khan has denied wrongdoing, while his supporters claim the legal actions are politically motivated. Samajwadi Party lawmaker Javed Ali Khan described the demolition order as politically driven. "There are many reasons why this university is being targeted. First, it was founded by Azam Khan. Second, its foundation stone was laid by Mulayam Singh, the Samajwadi Party patriarch. Third, it was inaugurated by Akhilesh Yadav, the former chief minister of the state. And fourth, it is a minority university," he said.
The situation remains tense as students continue their protest, and the university awaits a court decision that could determine its future.
