Rampur: The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) has ordered the demolition of 38 of 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, saying the structures were erected without required approvals and giving the university 15 days to remove them or face action.
The order, issued Wednesday by Rampur District Magistrate and RDA vice chairperson Ajay Kumar Dwivedi under Section 27 of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, states only the university’s medical college building and one academic block have valid approvals. The RDA said the remaining 38 buildings account for a built-up area of 82,309 square metres and stand on land where their present use is not permitted under applicable land use rules. Officials said the violations cannot be regularised under existing law, leaving demolition as the only legal remedy.
The action follows notices issued to the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust and the university registrar on June 28 29 after a complaint. The trust submitted a joint reply on July 8 and appeared before the authority on Wednesday. The university contended the land lay outside RDA jurisdiction when the buildings were constructed; the RDA rejected that claim, saying approvals were mandatory under the Zila Panchayat Act and other laws even before the area came under the authority’s control. The order also cited Supreme Court judgments supporting strict enforcement against unauthorised construction.
District officials said they will seek to minimise disruption to students. The Regional Higher Education Officer and District Inspector of Schools have been asked to set up counselling camps on campus to advise students and protect their academic interests.
The proposed demolition drew immediate political criticism. The Samajwadi Party alleged the university was being selectively targeted because it is run by the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust chaired by jailed former minister and SP leader Azam Khan. SP national spokesperson Juhie Singh called the order “unjustified” and urged the trust to challenge it in court, saying the institution provides affordable education to many students.
Opposition leaders questioned the timing and rationale of the move. SP spokesman Ashutosh Verma accused the ruling BJP of political targeting ahead of elections, asking why the buildings were not challenged over the past decade if they were illegal. Congress leaders, including Imran Pratapgarhi and MLA Dr. Md. Jawaid, argued the area fell under new jurisdiction only after construction and urged protection for the institution. AIMIM spokesperson Syed Asim Waqar suggested regularisation or government takeover as alternatives to demolition.
Students and academics also voiced concern. Mukrim Rawl, a fourth year B.A. LL.B. student, appealed to the chief minister to prioritise students’ welfare, warning the demolition would disrupt the education of thousands. Academic Dr. Laxman Yadav said governments are remembered for building universities rather than demolishing them and urged authorities to protect educational institutions.
The Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust has not yet publicly indicated whether it will seek a legal stay on the demolition order. Authorities said the investigation and enforcement process is ongoing.