The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) has ordered the demolition of 38 out of 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, after finding that the structures were erected without valid approvals from the competent authority. The notice, issued on 16 July, gives the university 15 days to remove the unauthorised structures or face demolition proceedings initiated by the administration.

What the RDA Found

The demolition order was passed under Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, following a detailed examination of records and a personal hearing conducted on 15 July. Official records obtained from the Rampur Zila Panchayat revealed that only two structures — the medical college building and the academic block — had approved building plans. The remaining 38 buildings had no valid construction sanctions.

The RDA noted that the university management was aware of the legal requirement to obtain prior permission, given that it had secured Zila Panchayat approval for the two authorised structures. Despite this, construction of the remaining buildings proceeded without the necessary clearances.

The University's Defence — and Why It Was Rejected

During the 15 July hearing — attended by university officials, legal representatives, and RDA authorities — the university argued that its campus in Singankhera village did not fall within the RDA's jurisdiction before 27 September 2024, and that approvals from the authority were therefore not required at the time of construction. The university contended that the structures could not be retrospectively declared illegal under the present jurisdictional framework.

The RDA rejected this argument, ruling that permission from the competent authority applicable at the time of construction was mandatory regardless of subsequent jurisdictional changes. It also dismissed the university's submissions concerning the master plan, zonal plan, and other provisions of the Act, holding that a structure's legality is determined solely by whether it received approval from the relevant authority under the laws in force when it was built.

Government Defends Action, SP Alleges Vendetta

Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak defended the move, stating that the administration was committed to ensuring the rule of law without exception. 'Our government is committed to maintaining law and order. We will ensure that the law is upheld in every situation and that no unauthorised construction takes place,' he told reporters.

Minority Welfare Minister Danish Azad Ansari went further, alleging that the university was built by encroaching on public property. 'Jauhar University was not built for the welfare of society, nor was it built to educate poor Muslims. It was built for personal interests. Government land was encroached upon for the construction of the university. Government-built roads worth crores were included on the university campus; some Waqf properties were also included. All this was revealed in an investigation. Following this, necessary action was taken,' he said.

The opposition Samajwadi Party (SP), however, strongly condemned the demolition order as politically motivated. SP MLA Ravidas Mehrotra alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government was acting out of spite. 'The BJP government is acting out of malice and a spirit of vendetta. They are preparing to bulldoze Jauhar University. The BJP government failed to bulldoze the homes of those who embezzled donations meant for the Ram Mandir, yet they are attempting to demolish a place where students study. The BJP will have to pay a heavy price for this; it has sparked anger among the youth,' he said.

Background: Azam Khan and the Jauhar Trust

Mohammad Ali Jauhar University was established in 2006 through an Act passed by the Uttar Pradesh Legislature and is located approximately 12 kilometres from Rampur Station. It is administered by the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which was formerly chaired by jailed senior SP leader and ex-minister Azam Khan, who also served as the university's Chancellor and lifetime president of the trust.

Earlier this year, Khan and members of his family formally stepped down from the university's governing trust. The proceedings were initiated after a report by the regional junior engineer flagged alleged unauthorised construction across the campus. The university filed its written reply on 8 July, following which the personal hearing was held on 15 July.

What Happens Next

The university has 15 days from the issuance of the notice to comply with the demolition order. Should it fail to act, the RDA has warned it will initiate its own demolition proceedings. The dispute is likely to escalate legally and politically, given the university's ties to the SP and the broader 'bulldozer politics' narrative that has defined governance debates in Uttar Pradesh in recent years.