Court Halts Demolition of 38 Buildings at Jauhar University Pending Final Hearing

Rampur: Jauhar University has received interim relief after the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner’s court ordered a temporary stay on the proposed demolition of 38 buildings on its Rampur campus. The order will remain in effect until the court delivers its final verdict.

Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh said the stay was granted after the university submitted an application seeking immediate relief. He also explained that the hearing scheduled for Tuesday was postponed because of a condolence meeting held following the death of an advocate in Moradabad.

According to the Commissioner, no demolition work can be carried out until further orders. He said the court will make its final decision after hearing all parties involved and reviewing the relevant records.

The court’s decision comes as students continue their protest against the demolition order, with the demonstration now entering its twelfth day.

Reacting to the development, Tazeen Fatma, former Rajya Sabha MP and wife of university founder Azam Khan, welcomed the interim relief. She said the institution would continue pursuing legal remedies if the final ruling goes against it, including approaching the High Court and the Supreme Court if necessary.

Fatma also dismissed speculation that the Uttar Pradesh government could take control of the university. She maintained that minority educational institutions are protected under the Constitution and said students were determined to continue their education regardless of the outcome. According to her, many students had expressed their willingness to attend classes even in open spaces if the campus structures were removed.

Meanwhile, Azam Khan’s close associate Asim Raja warned that any attempt to demolish the university buildings could trigger large scale public protests.

The dispute began on July 15 when the Rampur Development Authority directed the university to remove 38 of its 40 buildings within 15 days. The authority alleged that the structures had been constructed without approved building plans in violation of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973.

The demolition order has sparked strong opposition from students, the Samajwadi Party, and several social organisations, all of whom have called for the order to be withdrawn.