The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) has ordered the demolition of 38 out of 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Uttar Pradesh, stating that the structures were constructed without obtaining the necessary approvals from the competent authority. According to the order issued under the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, the university has been given 15 days to remove the alleged unauthorised structures, failing which the authorities will carry out the demolition. Officials said that only the medical college building and the academic block had valid approved building plans, while the remaining buildings lacked the required permissions.
During the hearing, the university management argued that the campus in Singankhera village was not under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority before September 27, 2024, and therefore did not require RDA approval at the time of construction. However, the development authority rejected this argument, stating that permission from the competent authority applicable at the time of construction was mandatory regardless of later jurisdictional changes. Officials also noted that the university had obtained approval for two buildings, indicating that the management was aware of the legal requirements before proceeding with the remaining construction.
The action has triggered political reactions across Uttar Pradesh. Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak defended the demolition order, saying the government is committed to enforcing the law and preventing unauthorised construction. Minority Welfare Minister Danish Azad Ansari alleged that the university had been developed by encroaching on government land and other public properties. Meanwhile, the Samajwadi Party condemned the move, calling it politically motivated and accusing the BJP government of targeting an educational institution. Established in 2006, Mohammad Ali Jauhar University was founded through an Act of the Uttar Pradesh Legislature and was previously administered by the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, once headed by former minister Azam Khan.
