The All India Muslim Personal Law Board called upon the UP Government and the Rampur Development Authority to resolve any legal or technical issues through dialogue and due process, and ensure the protection of this important educational institution.
NEW DELHI — The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB)has urged the Uttar Pradesh fovernment to immediately halt the proposed action against Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur. AIMPLB,on Friday, strongly condemned the government’s demolition order for 38 buildings of the university, describing it as a biased, vindictive, and unjust action.
In a statement, AIMPLB spokesperson S. Q. R. Ilyas said that this action is not merely directed against an educational institution but also against the educational advancement of the Muslim community.
He said while governments have failed to adequately address the educational backwardness of Muslims, institutions established through public initiative, sacrifice, and sustained efforts are being targeted on one pretext or another through administrative and legal measures.
The present action reflects political vendetta against Azam Khan and, at the same time, seeks to further undermine the educational progress of the Muslim community, Ilyas claimed.
S. Q. R. Ilyas also rejected the Rampur Development Authority’s (RDA) claim that 38 out of the University’s 40 buildings had been constructed without obtaining the necessary approvals.
He pointed out that, according to the University administration, the buildings in question were constructed at a time when the area did not fall within the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority.
Consequently, there was no legal requirement to obtain approval of building plans from the RDA.
The Board has called upon the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the Rampur Development Authority to immediately review their decision, withdraw the demolition notice, resolve any legal or technical issues through dialogue and due process, and ensure the protection of this important educational institution, the statement said.
The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) ordered the demolition of 38 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, founded by jailed SP leader Azam Khan, saying they were constructed without approval of the building plan. The university argued that the area was outside the RDA’s jurisdiction when the buildings were constructed.
The authority rejected the contention, stating that approval from the competent authority was mandatory at the time of construction.
The university was established in 2006 through an Act passed by the Uttar Pradesh Assembly. It is situated around 12 kilometres from Rampur Station.
Azam Khan served as the Chancellor and lifetime president of the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, which managed the university.
Earlier this year, Azam Khan and members of his family formally stepped down from the university’s governing trust.
