Space for namaz and withdrawal of FIR against 18 students demanded; registrar’s resignation sought
LUCKNOW – The dispute over the Lal Baradari Mosque at Lucknow University has intensified, with students announcing a more robust protest over the mosque’s sealing and the filing of an FIR against 18 students.
At a press conference at the Lucknow Press Club on Saturday, students questioned the role of the university administration and the police. They demanded withdrawal of the FIR, provision of a separate space for namaz during Ramadan, and the resignation of the university registrar.
The controversy began after the university administration sealed the historic Lal Baradari Mosque building on campus, citing concerns about safety. Following this, Muslim students offered namaz inside the mosque premises in protest.
In a gesture that drew praise on social media, some Hindu students formed a human chain to protect those offering prayers. However, the situation took a new turn when certain right-wing groups allegedly attempted to recite Hanuman Chalisa at the site the next day.
Soon after, police registered an FIR against 18 students in connection with the 22 February protest inside the university. The charges reportedly include allegations of inciting unrest and disturbing social harmony.
Addressing the press, one of the student representatives said, “We protested peacefully on 22 February, but the FIR was filed on 26 February. Why the delay? What happened in those four days?”
Another student said, “This country will run by the Constitution, not by the wishes of any political organisation. We are only asking for our basic rights.”
Students alleged that instead of resolving the issue, the administration chose to act against those who raised their voices. “We want to know what role the vice-chancellor and the registrar played in this entire matter,” a student leader said. “Such actions will not silence us.”
With the month of Ramadan underway, students have demanded that the university provide an alternative space for Muslim students to offer namaz if the mosque remains sealed.
“We are not asking for anything extra. We are asking for a peaceful space where our Muslim brothers can pray,” one student said. “If no separate arrangement is made, our movement will continue.”
Students also demanded clarity about the condition of the Lal Baradari building. The administration has reportedly said that the structure could be unsafe.
At the press conference, students raised questions about renovation funds. They claimed that around ₹5 crore had been allocated earlier for the renovation of the Lal Baradari building.
“If the building is unsafe, then where did the renovation money go?” a student asked. “We want transparency. Show us the official order if the building has been sealed. Let students see the notice.”
The students insisted that if there is a genuine safety concern, it should be clearly explained with documents.
Among the demands raised was the resignation of the university registrar. Students alleged that the administration had failed to handle the matter with fairness and dialogue.
They also called for an immediate withdrawal of the FIR against the 18 students. “If the FIR is not withdrawn, we will continue our protest,” one student said. “We are not afraid. We will keep raising our voice.”
University authorities have maintained that the building was sealed for safety reasons. Police officials have not issued a detailed public response to the students’ allegations at the time of reporting.
The situation on campus remains tense. Many students have appealed for calm and dialogue to resolve the issue.
As the debate continues, the focus remains on whether the university will review the FIR and whether a separate arrangement for namaz will be made during Ramadan. For now, student groups have made it clear that they see this as a matter of rights, transparency and respect.
