‘Biased, Unjust’: Muslim law board slams notice for demolitions at Mohammed Ali Jauhar University

Describing it as a biased, vindictive, and unjust action, the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has condemned the demolition notice issued by the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) for 38 buildings at Mohammed Ali Jauhar University.

The opposition by the Muslim law board comes after the RDA issued the order to demolish the buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University, along with the declaration of a road within the university campus as a public road.

According to an official statement, SQR Ilyas, spokesperson of the AIMPLB, said that the RDA’s action was not just against educational institutions, but also the educational advancement of the Muslim community.

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Moreover, Ilyas also slammed the development authority’s claim that 38 out of the university’s 40 buildings were constructed illegally.

“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,” he said.

Ilyas further explained that if the university lacks any legal formalities, it could be resolved through due legal process. However, ordering demolition of 38 buildings of a university was not only a “disproportionate and arbitrary measure but is also contrary to the larger interests of education in the country,” he added.

“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,” he stated.

Therefore, the AIMPLB has urged the government of Uttar Pradesh to “immediately” withdraw the demolition notice against the university buildings.