The management of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University has challenged the Rampur Development Authority’s (RDA) demolition order before the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner’s court, seeking relief against the proposed demolition of 38 buildings on the campus.
The appeal was filed after the RDA, on July 15, directed the university to demolish 38 out of its 40 buildings within 15 days, alleging that they had been constructed without approved building plans in violation of the Uttar Pradesh Town Planning and Development Act, 1973.
Although the matter could not be heard immediately as Divisional Commissioner Aanjaney Kumar Singh was attending an official meeting related to the Kanwar Yatra, the appeal has been admitted. The case is now scheduled for hearing on July 28, potentially delaying any demolition until the legal proceedings progress.
RDA Says Only Two Buildings Had Approved Maps
The demolition order followed an inspection conducted by the Rampur Development Authority in June. According to the authority, university officials were asked to produce approved maps for all campus buildings but submitted documents for only two out of the 40 structures.
After issuing notices and considering the university’s response, the RDA concluded that the remaining 38 buildings had been constructed without the required approvals and ordered their demolition.
The university, however, disputes the authority’s jurisdiction. It argues that the campus is located in Singhan Khera village, which was not brought under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority until a notification issued in September 2024. According to the university management, the buildings had already been completed and academic activities had commenced nearly a decade earlier, making the requirement for RDA approval inapplicable.
Management Calls Action Illegal and Politically Motivated
University officials have described the demolition notice as illegal and disproportionate, maintaining that any regulatory issues could be addressed through legal or administrative mechanisms rather than razing nearly the entire campus.
Former Rajya Sabha MP Tazeen Fatma, wife of Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan and a former office-bearer of the university trust, said the institution was established to expand access to education in Rampur and has been subjected to repeated administrative scrutiny over the years.
She also claimed the proposed demolition was politically motivated and intended to divert attention from other public controversies, allegations that have not been accepted by the state government.
The university management has stated that it will pursue all available legal remedies to prevent the demolition.
Political Opposition Mounts Over Proposed Demolition
The issue has drawn criticism from several opposition leaders and parties, who argue that demolishing a functioning university would adversely affect thousands of students.
Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Kumar Jha has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking intervention, describing the proposed demolition as disproportionate. In his letter, he argued that alleged building violations could be addressed through regularisation, penalties or revised approvals rather than demolishing educational infrastructure. He also expressed concern that the move could affect nearly 3,000 students studying at the university.
The Samajwadi Party has also intensified its campaign against the demolition. Party leaders in Bareilly submitted a memorandum to the Governor through the district administration, demanding that the demolition notice be withdrawn immediately.
Party leaders alleged that the action would disrupt the education of thousands of students and accused the BJP government of targeting educational institutions for political reasons. They warned of statewide protests if the demolition proceeds.
Students Continue Protest as Future of University Hangs in Balance
Students have been protesting on the university campus since the demolition order was issued, demanding that the government withdraw the notice.
The administration has simultaneously set up a counselling centre outside the university campus to advise prospective students regarding admissions. University officials allege that the counselling initiative is intended to discourage fresh admissions by creating uncertainty over the institution’s future.
With the matter now before the Divisional Commissioner’s court, the immediate fate of the proposed demolition depends on the outcome of the July 28 hearing. Until then, the legal challenge has provided the university temporary relief while the dispute over the campus continues.
