Uttar Pradesh orders demolition of 38 Jauhar University buildings

The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) in Uttar Pradesh issued an order to demolish 38 of the 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, stating that the structures were constructed without the required planning approvals. The university contends that the campus, located in Singankhera village, was outside the RDA’s jurisdiction at the time of construction, and therefore the approvals were not mandatory. The RDA rejected this defense, insisting that the authority’s consent was required regardless of later jurisdictional changes.

Jamiat Ulama‑i‑Hind president Maulana Mahmood Madani appealed to the state government to reconsider the demolition, warning that it would jeopardise the education of thousands of students and breach fundamental rights. He argued that "demolition neither the sole nor the mandatory remedy under law" and suggested alternatives such as building regularisation, compounding of violations, or statutory penalties. The university was founded by jailed Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, adding a political dimension to the dispute.