‘Future at stake’: India moves to demolish university Muslim leader founded

Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, faces an uncertain future following a demolition order issued by district authorities on July 15. The administration claims that 38 of the institution's 40 buildings were constructed without proper regulatory approval, with only two structures—including a proposed medical college block—deemed legally compliant. The university was given until August 5 to remove the allegedly illegal buildings or face government demolition at the institution's expense. The university, which serves approximately 3,000 students across a 250-acre campus, was established in 2006 by prominent Muslim politician Azam Khan through the Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust, named after a freedom fighter from India's independence movement. Following the order, students, alumni, and residents launched an indefinite sit-in protest at the university's main gate to oppose the demolition. University Vice Chancellor Zaheeruddin clarified that an interim stay issued by the state administration on Monday does not constitute a cancellation of the demolition order, but merely delays enforcement beyond the August 5 deadline. The university is now pursuing legal action to have the demolition order quashed entirely. The situation reflects broader tensions in Uttar Pradesh, a state governed by the right-wing Bharatiya Janata Party since 2017, where Khan has been a vocal critic of the government.