The court allows consolidated hearings but maintains separate verdicts in each case
Team Clarion
RAMPUR – Senior Samajwadi Party leader and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan received a significant reprieve from the MP/MLA court on Tuesday. The court approved a joint hearing for 27 cases against him concerning the acquisition of land for the Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar University, a project closely associated with Khan’s political and personal legacy. However, the court clarified that sentencing in each case would be dealt with individually.
Azam Khan had filed an appeal in the MP/MLA Sessions Court after a lower court rejected his plea to consolidate the hearings. Khan argued that the cases, all involving allegations of the forcible merger of farmers’ land into the university, were similar and warranted a unified legal process.
The MP/MLA court granted the request, recognising the overlapping nature of the cases. Government counsel Seema Singh Rana confirmed the ruling. “The court has permitted the cases to be heard together to streamline proceedings, but the punishment clauses for each case will remain distinct,” she said.
Azam Khan’s ambitious project, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar University, has been at the centre of numerous controversies since its inception. The university, envisioned as a hub of education and empowerment, required substantial land, leading to accusations that Khan and his associates forcibly acquired agricultural land from local farmers.
The affected farmers lodged 27 separate complaints, accusing Khan of coercion and illegal land grabs. These cases have long overshadowed the university’s operations and Azam Khan’s political career.
The court’s decision has drawn mixed reactions. Supporters of Azam Khan see the ruling as a step toward justice and efficiency in handling the cases. Speaking on the matter, a close aide of Khan said, “Azam Khan has always respected the judicial process. This decision will help bring clarity and avoid redundant arguments in the courtroom.”
On the other hand, critics view the ruling with scepticism, arguing that consolidating hearings could dilute the gravity of individual allegations. Farmer leader Rakesh Tyagi said each case represents the plight of a farmer whose land was taken against his will. “Hearing them together might overshadow the unique struggle of each complainant,” he said.
Earlier, the lower court had refused to consolidate the cases, stating that separate hearings were necessary to ensure justice for each complainant. Dissatisfied with this decision, Azam Khan filed a review petition in the MP/MLA Sessions Court, which ultimately overturned the lower court’s stance.
Azam Khan has consistently denied the allegations, maintaining that the land acquisition for Jauhar University was conducted transparently and in the larger public interest. His legal team expressed optimism following the court’s latest order, stating that the unified hearings would expedite the legal process.
In a statement, Azam Khan remarked: “Jauhar University is not just a project; it is a vision for the future of education. The allegations against me are politically motivated, and I trust the judiciary to see the truth.”
Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar University was established to advance education among underprivileged communities, particularly Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. Despite its lofty aims, the university has faced scrutiny over land disputes and alleged misuse of political influence.
Political analyst Shahnawaz Alam observed: “Azam Khan’s contributions to the educational sector are undeniable, but these controversies have cast a shadow on his legacy. The outcome of these cases will have significant implications for his political career and the university’s future.”
While the consolidation of hearings may streamline the legal proceedings, the individual nature of sentencing ensures that each case will receive separate attention. The MP/MLA court’s decision marks a critical juncture in the long-standing legal saga involving Azam Khan and Jauhar University.
As the trials proceed, the spotlight remains on the allegations and the broader political implications for one of Uttar Pradesh’s most prominent Muslim leaders. Will the judiciary vindicate Azam Khan, or will this be a turning point in his tumultuous political journey? Only time will tell.
