Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha stated that demolishing a functioning university serving around 3,000 students would amount to destroying an educational institution established under State legislation. File
| Photo Credit: ANI
Rajya Sabha MP Manoj Jha has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his immediate intervention to halt the proposed demolition of 38 out of 40 buildings at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh.
In his letter, Mr. Jha stated that demolishing a functioning university serving around 3,000 students would amount to destroying an educational institution established under State legislation. He argued that any alleged irregularities related to building approvals should be addressed through legal and regulatory measures rather than large-scale demolition.
The MP maintained that the Supreme Court has consistently stressed due process, proportionality, and accountability in demolition-related matters. He described the proposed action as “grossly excessive” and questioned its proportionality, alleging that it appears to be politically motivated. Mr. Jha also warned that demolishing the majority of the university’s infrastructure would damage India’s global image and undermine its commitment to education, equality, and the rule of law.
He noted that reducing classrooms, libraries, and laboratories to rubble would send a negative message internationally. Urging the Prime Minister to advise the Uttar Pradesh government to suspend the demolition order, Mr. Jha called for a lawful process aimed at preserving the university. He emphasised that the political affiliations of the institution’s founder should not determine the future of an educational institution or its students.
Published – July 20, 2026 03:32 pm IST
