Allahabad Lawyers Write to Governor Over Demolition Notice to Jauhar University
Opposition leaders, lawyers and AIMPLB condemn the demolition notices, calling them politically motivated and harmful to education.
The demolition notices issued for 38 of the 40 buildings at Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur have triggered strong political and legal reactions across Uttar Pradesh.
Leaders from opposition parties, members of the legal community and the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) have criticised the proposed action, alleging that it is politically motivated and could adversely affect higher education.
Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MP and Uttar Pradesh in charge Sanjay Singh accused the BJP led governments at the Centre and in the state of targeting educational institutions. Addressing a press conference in Lucknow, he said that the proposed demolition would not only damage university infrastructure but also affect the education and future of thousands of students.
Azad Samaj Party chief and Member of Parliament Chandrashekhar Azad also opposed the move and expressed support for efforts to protect the university.
Meanwhile, a delegation of lawyers in Prayagraj met City Magistrate Satyam Mishra and submitted a memorandum addressed to the Governor of Uttar Pradesh, requesting intervention in the matter. Senior advocate Hanzala Farooqui said that educational institutions take years of effort and investment to build and urged the Governor to review the demolition proceedings.
The All India Muslim Personal Law Board also criticised the notices, describing them as unfair and one sided. Board spokesperson Dr. Syed Qasim Rasool Ilyas said the action goes beyond one institution and could have wider implications for the educational progress of the Muslim community. He urged the Uttar Pradesh government to withdraw the demolition notices and resolve any legal issues through due process.
The Rampur Development Authority has maintained that most of the university buildings were constructed without the required approvals, while the university administration has argued that the buildings were constructed before the area came under the authority’s jurisdiction.
The issue is expected to remain a subject of political and legal debate as different groups continue to challenge the proposed demolition.