On July 15, the Rampur Development Authority in Uttar Pradesh issued a demolition order for 38 buildings at the Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, citing lack of required approvals. The university, administered by the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, has been given 15 days to remove the unauthorised structures. The order was issued by Rampur District Magistrate and RDA Vice-Chairperson Ajay Kumar Dwivedi, who stated that only two of the 40 buildings constructed at the university were considered acceptable. The university management had filed a written reply on July 8, arguing that the campus did not fall within the RDA’s jurisdiction before September 27, 2024, and therefore did not require approval from the RDA at the time of construction.
The RDA rejected this argument, stating that permission from the competent authority applicable at the time of construction was mandatory. Official records obtained from the Rampur Zila Panchayat showed that only two structures had approved building plans, while the remaining 38 buildings had no valid construction approvals. The RDA observed that the university management was fully aware of the legal requirement to obtain permission before construction, as it had secured approval from the Zila Panchayat for the two authorised buildings.
The demolition order has triggered backlash and criticism over the alleged selective targeting of the institution and the potential impact on students. The university is located in Gram Singham Kheda, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority. The RDA’s actions have been taken under Section 27 of the UP Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973.
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📰 Source: Siasat Gulf