On April 30, 2025, a long-standing dispute over a 41-bigha plot of land in Aligarh came to a head when authorities officially seized the land from Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), which had been using it for nearly 80 years. The land, historically employed for horse riding activities and part of AMU’s rich sporting tradition, was reclaimed by a joint operation of the municipal corporation and district administration.
The incident stems from a government project that aimed to mark land for a flyover. The district administration discovered that the land AMU claimed as its own was actually under the municipal corporation’s control. When officials tried to install pillars for the flyover in March 2023, AMU refused permission, insisting the land belonged to them. However, after a detailed investigation, the administration said that AMU could not provide any legal documentation to prove ownership.
“They never registered the land or included their name in the official records. This led to the authorities taking action,” said a source within the district administration.
The historical significance of the land cannot be understated. It was integral to AMU’s sporting culture, dating back to the days of the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College founded in 1877 by Sir Syed Ahmad Khan. Horse riding, a staple of the institution’s legacy, was a favored activity among students from aristocratic families. The establishment of the AMU Riding Club in the late 1800s further cemented the tradition, which persisted even after independence despite societal prejudices against it.
Yet, the university now faces the grim reality of losing control over a piece of its heritage. “We have occupied this land for over 80 years, and we will take necessary legal steps to restore our ownership,” said Omar Salim Peerzada, an AMU spokesperson, challenging the authorities’ actions.
In contrast, municipal officials have justified the operation, with Vinod Kumar, the Municipal Commissioner, defending the seizure said, “This action will set an example for dealing with illegal encroachments. The team has done a commendable job in freeing this valuable land.” He further stated that the land, valued at approximately ₹102.62 crores, would be repurposed for government offices and public facilities.
This seizure, however, is only the beginning. The municipal corporation has plans to clear more land currently under AMU’s control, further raising concerns within the university.
