The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition filed by the Maulana Ali Jauhar Trust challenging demolition notices issued for university buildings in Rampur, citing an existing stay order granted by a regional appellate body.
A division bench comprising Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Kunal Ravi Singh declined to intervene in the matter at this stage after learning that an interim stay on the proposed demolition was already in effect.
Interim Stay Granted By Appellate Authority
The trust had approached the appellate authority in Moradabad, where the Divisional Commissioner’s court granted interim relief on Monday. The order halts the scheduled demolition of 38 buildings on the university campus until the case is fully adjudicated.
The Moradabad divisional commissioner is set to resume hearing arguments in the appeal on August 3.
Background Of Demolition Directive
The dispute originated on July 15, when the Rampur Development Authority issued a directive ordering the university administration to dismantle 38 of its 40 campus structures within 15 days, setting a deadline of July 30. Local authorities invoked Section 27(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Urban Planning and Development Act, 1973, alleging that the buildings were constructed without sanctioned layout plans.
The university was established by Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. Following the development authority’s enforcement order, students and local supporters initiated a sit-in demonstration on campus. However, student protesters temporarily suspended their action after the appellate authority granted the interim stay.
