Uttar Pradesh: Bulldozer Action To Hit Azam Khan's Jauhar University! Order Issued To Demolish 38 Out Of 40 Rooms

New Delhi: Major administrative action has been taken against Jauhar University—the dream project of senior Samajwadi Party leader Mohammad Azam Khan, who is currently incarcerated—in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh. The Rampur Development Authority (RDA) has issued demolition orders for 38 of the 40 buildings on the university campus, deeming them illegal constructions built without approved blueprints. The Authority has given the institution 15 days to remove these structures on its own; if this is not done within the stipulated time, the RDA will take action in accordance with the rules.

What is the issue?

According to the Rampur Development Authority, Jauhar University is located in Singankheda village within the Rampur Sadar Tehsil. Since 2024, this area has fallen under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority. Subsequently, the Authority sought information from the university regarding approved building plans. The Authority stated that while a notice was issued seeking a response, a detailed hearing was conducted after no satisfactory reply was received. It was found that out of the 40 buildings, only two had approved plans, while the remaining 38 were constructed without approval.

The Rampur Development Authority stated that the institution was given an opportunity for a personal hearing in addition to submitting a written response regarding the matter. After hearing all parties, it was concluded that the 38 buildings had not been approved in accordance with regulations. Based on this, the demolition order was issued. Rampur District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi explained that the Jauhar University buildings are situated in Singankheda village, an area now falling under the Rampur Development Authority's jurisdiction. Investigations revealed that most of the buildings there were constructed without permission or approved plans.

What was the Directive to the university?

He stated that the institution was first issued a notice, a written response was obtained, and an opportunity for a personal hearing was provided. Following this entire process, it emerged that out of the 40 buildings, only two had approved plans, while 38 fell into the category of illegal construction. Jauhar University contended that at the time the buildings were constructed, the area did not fall under the jurisdiction of the Rampur Development Authority. The District Magistrate stated that prior to 2024, this area fell under the jurisdiction of the Zila Panchayat. He noted that the university had previously obtained approval from the Zila Panchayat for the building plans of two structures.

This indicates that the institution was aware of the rules and procedures for obtaining plan approvals. According to the DM, if approval was secured for two buildings, the same process should have been followed to obtain approved plans for the remaining 38 buildings at that time. As this was not done, these buildings have been classified as unauthorized constructions.

The District Magistrate explained that this action has been taken under Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973. He stated that, in accordance with the rules, the institution has been granted a 15-day period to remove the unauthorized constructions on its own. If this is not done within the stipulated timeframe, the Rampur Development Authority will carry out the demolition itself. The administration maintains that this action is part of the ongoing campaign against illegal constructions under the Yogi government's zero-tolerance policy. Following the issuance of the order, the subsequent procedures will be completed in accordance with the rules.