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The Maharashtra State Minorities Commission has urged Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not to demolish or shut down Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, stressing that the academic future of thousands of students must be protected. The appeal follows an RDA demolition order for 38 buildings, which is currently under an interim stay granted by the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner.

Mumbai: The Maharashtra State Minorities Commission has appealed to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath not to demolish or shut down Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, stressing that any action should protect the academic interests of thousands of students enrolled at the institution.

In a letter, Commission Chairman Pyare Jia Khan urged the Uttar Pradesh government to ensure the continued functioning of the university, stating that it was established to expand access to higher education, particularly for students from minority communities and economically weaker sections.

The appeal comes after the Rampur Development Authority (RDA) on July 15 ordered the demolition of 38 of the university's 40 buildings, alleging they had been constructed without approved building plans. The university, founded in 2006 by jailed Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, challenged the order before the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner, who granted an interim stay on the demolition earlier this week. Students have also been staging protests on the campus, demanding that the RDA withdraw the demolition order.

In his letter, Khan acknowledged that the university may be facing legal, administrative or procedural allegations, but urged the state government to ensure that any action taken does not adversely affect students, teachers and staff.