Bhim Army chief and MP Chandra Shekhar Azad has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government's proposed demolition of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur. Azad argued that executing the demolition before a final judicial verdict would amount to contempt of the Supreme Court and accused the administration of engaging in communal politics.

Key Takeaways

  • Bhim Army chief Chandra Shekhar Azad criticizes UP govt over Jauhar University demolition.
  • Claims demolition before court ruling amounts to Supreme Court contempt.
  • Rampur Development Authority orders demolition of 38 unauthorized buildings.

NEW DELHI: Bhim Army chief and Nagina MP Chandra Shekhar Azad launched a scathing attack on the Uttar Pradesh government on Friday over the proposed demolition of Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur. Accusing the state administration of pursuing "communal politics," Azad argued that any bulldozer action prior to a judicial decision would be a direct violation of the Supreme Court's observations on due process.

Administrative Order vs. Judicial Verdict

In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Azad emphasized that the order issued by the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) cannot supersede the authority of the courts. He insisted that the university must be granted the opportunity to exhaust all legal remedies before any structural action is taken. "If the university disagrees with this order, it has every right to present its case in a competent court and seek justice. In such a scenario, any demolition action before the final judicial decision would amount to contempt of the honourable Supreme Court," Azad stated.

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Allegations of Bias and Political Targeting

The MP raised concerns over the apparent double standards in handling educational institutions within the state. Citing the University Grants Commission's (UGC) list of fake universities, Azad pointed out that institutions in Aligarh, Prayagraj, Gautam Buddha Nagar, and Lucknow have not faced similar aggressive actions. He questioned why an established university like Jauhar is being singled out for demolition while others operate without scrutiny.

Established in 2006 through an Act of the UP legislature, Mohammad Ali Jauhar University has been a flagship project of Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. However, the institution has been mired in controversy, facing legal disputes over alleged land encroachment and lease violations. The recent RDA order targets 38 buildings constructed without approved plans, acting under Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973. Earlier this year, Azam Khan and his family stepped down from the university's governing trust, marking a significant shift in the institution's leadership amidst ongoing government pressure.