What Led to the Temporary Halt of Protests at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University?

Students at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur have temporarily halted their protests against a demolition order after a court issued a stay on the action. The decision comes as the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner prepares to hear the case on August 3. The protests were initiated in response to the Rampur Development Authority's order to demolish 38 university buildings, which were claimed to have been constructed without proper approvals. The stay has been welcomed by students, who express their faith in the judiciary, while political leaders view it as a significant victory for the student body.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 28, 2026, 19:20 IST

Protests Paused Following Court Stay

Rampur (UP): Students at Mohammad Ali Jauhar University have decided to temporarily suspend their protests against the district authority's demolition order for several university buildings, following a court's interim stay on the action, as confirmed by an official on Tuesday.

The students made this decision in respect of the stay issued by the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner’s court.

The case is scheduled for a hearing on August 3.

According to a university official, who wished to remain anonymous, "The students' protest against the demolition notice from the Rampur Development Authority has been paused due to the temporary stay on the demolition."

An alumnus, who graduated in 2019 with a B Com Honours and participated in the protest, stated, "The students' protest has been temporarily halted."

Another post-graduate student involved in the protests expressed, "We appreciate and respect the stay granted by the Moradabad Divisional Commissioner’s court. We have complete faith in the judiciary."

The protests were initiated in response to a July 15 order from the Rampur Development Authority, which aimed to demolish 38 out of the university's 40 buildings, citing that they were constructed without proper approvals.

The court's stay on the demolition was issued until the final hearing.

Divisional Commissioner Anjaneya Kumar Singh explained that the interim order was a precautionary measure.

He noted that the proceedings were postponed due to a scheduled condolence meeting for a deceased advocate in Moradabad.

"Had the court proceedings been suspended and the Rampur Development Authority proceeded with the demolition, it could have led to complications," he added.

Uttar Pradesh Congress chief Ajay Rai visited the university on Monday evening after the court's decision, congratulating the students and sharing sweets.

Rai described the stay on the demolition as a "victory for the students," asserting that the recent protests at Delhi's Jantar Mantar have energized students and youth nationwide, causing the government to feel anxious.

He also met with Tazeen Fatma, the wife of the university's founder and former Uttar Pradesh minister Azam Khan, to discuss various issues concerning the institution.

Rai emphasized that the university should not suffer due to the government's antagonism towards Azam Khan.