The South Asian Minorities Lawyers Association (SAMLA) has expressed deep concern over the recent administrative actions involving Mohammad Ali Jauhar University in Rampur, urging the Centre and the Uttar Pradesh government to protect the institution and uphold the constitutional right to education.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, the association said that any political or personal differences with the founder of an educational institution should not become the basis for actions that threaten the future of thousands of students. It described educational institutions as “national assets” built through years of sacrifice, public contribution, and sustained effort, warning that their destruction would have long-term consequences not only for students but also for the country’s educational framework.
SAMLA maintained that educational institutions must be viewed independently of the individuals associated with them and stressed that the primary concern should remain the welfare of students and the preservation of access to higher education.
The association highlighted that the Muslim community continues to face significant educational challenges in several parts of the country. It noted that institutions established to improve access to higher education for educationally disadvantaged communities deserve protection in line with the constitutional principles of equality, social justice and inclusive development.
At the same time, SAMLA pointed out that Mohammad Ali Jauhar University has served students belonging to different communities, making it an institution that contributes to the broader public interest rather than serving any one section alone. According to the association, the university has played an important role in expanding educational opportunities and should therefore be protected from actions that could disrupt the academic future of thousands of enrolled students.
Addressing concerns over alleged violations of municipal or development regulations, SAMLA said that any legal irregularities should be handled through lawful, fair and proportionate means. The association argued that where permissible under existing laws, authorities should explore options such as regularisation of constructions, payment of prescribed fees, compliance with planning norms and implementation of all required structural and public safety measures.
According to the statement, demolition should always remain a measure of last resort, especially when such action could adversely affect the education of thousands of students. It emphasised that administrative decisions should balance legal compliance with the larger public interest and the constitutional commitment to ensuring access to education.
SAMLA further called upon both the Central and Uttar Pradesh governments to ensure that the rule of law is implemented with fairness, impartiality and constitutional morality. It said that every action taken by the State must satisfy the constitutional principles of proportionality, reasonableness and non-discrimination.
The association stressed that governance should be guided by constitutional values rather than political considerations, particularly in matters involving institutions that provide education and public service.
In its appeal, SAMLA also urged Muslim scholars, religious leaders, community organisations, civil society groups and citizens committed to constitutional values to speak out peacefully and responsibly in defence of educational institutions, justice and the rule of law.
The statement cautioned that remaining silent in the face of actions that may weaken access to education would neither strengthen democracy nor uphold the Constitution. It encouraged public participation through lawful and peaceful means to safeguard educational opportunities for future generations.
Concluding its statement, SAMLA asserted that the future of students should never become collateral damage in political or legal disputes. It emphasised that protecting educational institutions is a national responsibility that rises above political differences and ideological divisions.
The press release was issued by Feroz Khan Ghazi, Advocate and Secretary General of the South Asian Minorities Lawyers Association (SAMLA), who reiterated the organisation’s appeal for constitutional safeguards to ensure that educational institutions continue to function without disruption while any legal issues are resolved through due process.
