The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) on Friday urged the Uttar Pradesh government and the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) to withdraw demolition notices issued for 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, calling the move “vindictive” and “unjust”.
The university was founded by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, who is currently in jail.
In a statement, the AIMPLB condemned the demolition notices and appealed to the authorities to resolve any legal or technical issues through dialogue while ensuring the protection of the educational institution.
AIMPLB Alleges Political Vendetta
AIMPLB spokesperson S.Q.R. Ilyas said the proposed demolition was not merely an action against a university but also against the educational progress of the Muslim community.
“This action is not merely directed against an educational institution but also against the educational advancement of the Muslim community,” Ilyas said.
He alleged that while governments have failed to adequately address the educational backwardness of Muslims, institutions established through public support and sustained efforts were being targeted through administrative and legal measures.
“The present action reflects political vendetta against Azam Khan,” he added.
Board Rejects RDA’s Claims
The Rampur Development Authority has alleged that 38 of the university’s 40 buildings were constructed without obtaining the required approvals.
However, Ilyas rejected the claim, saying the university administration had maintained that the buildings were constructed before the area came under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority.
“According to the University administration, the buildings in question were constructed at a time when the area did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority. Consequently, there was no legal requirement to obtain approval of building plans from the RDA,” he said.
Calls for Legal Resolution Instead of Demolition
The AIMPLB said that even if there were any legal or technical deficiencies, they should be addressed through due legal process rather than demolition.
“Ordering the demolition of 38 buildings of a university established after years of hard work, public support, and substantial investment is not only a disproportionate and arbitrary measure but is also contrary to the larger interests of education in the country,” Ilyas said.
“Such an action would not merely affect one institution or one community; it would inflict irreparable damage on the nation’s educational assets,” he added.
The Board urged the Uttar Pradesh government and the Rampur Development Authority to immediately halt the proposed demolition and withdraw the notices issued to the university.
