Jauhar University in Rampur has long been embroiled in political and legal controversies. Several cases related to land, construction, government properties, financial transactions, and trusts involving this institution, which is linked to senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan, have been investigated at various levels. In recent years, the matter has been in the news due to the ongoing activities of the administration, courts, and investigative agencies.
To understand the origins of this controversy, one must delve back. The Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust was established in 1990. Subsequently, in 2012, during the tenure of the then Samajwadi Party government in Uttar Pradesh, Jauhar University was granted university status. Subsequently, large-scale land and buildings were used to expand the institution.
2019 details
After 2019, the controversy surrounding the university’s land escalated significantly. Several lawsuits were filed alleging encroachment on farmers’ land, government land, and enemy property. In July 2019, a complaint was filed by 26 farmers regarding approximately 35 bighas of land. Around this time, an investigation was also initiated into the university’s construction and the alleged use of government resources.
2020 Details
In 2020, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) filed a charge sheet against 13 individuals in 28 cases related to university land. The process of reclaiming approximately 170 acres of leased land between 2019 and 2021 began. The administration subsequently took possession of this land.
2022 Detail
In September 2022, municipal cleaning machines were found buried in the university campus. Azam Khan was also sentenced to three years in prison for his inflammatory speeches. The Enforcement Directorate’s initial investigation into university-related matters also concluded during this period.
Following this, administrative action was also taken against educational institutions affiliated with the trust. In January 2023, the lease of the Jauhar Research Institute was terminated. After the building was not vacated, it was sealed in March. In November 2023, the administration took possession of the RPS Girls’ Wing, and in July 2024, Khurshid Girls’ Inter College was relocated there.
Many questions were raised regarding financial matters. During the 2023 Income Tax action, conflicting figures were reportedly revealed regarding the university’s construction expenditure. During the September 2023 ED action, documents related to the release of funds from various government departments for the college’s construction were also examined.
2024 Details
In April 2024, Azam Khan, his wife, and son, along with other accused, were charged in land-related cases. In July 2024, the Rampur administration seized approximately 13.8 hectares of university land and sealed two buildings. In October 2024, the Supreme Court upheld the cancellation of the lease of government land granted to the Jauhar Trust.
The investigation into the university’s financial affairs continued in 2025. The ED issued a notice regarding the discrepancy between construction expenditure and the amount recorded in the accounts. Action was also taken regarding alleged irregularities related to the hostel construction and the return of funds.
2026 Details
Now, in 2026, the matter intensified once again. On June 23, the Income Tax Department revoked the Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Trust’s charitable registration and tax exemption. Subsequently, on July 15, the Rampur Development Authority issued a demolition order for 38 of the 40 buildings on the university campus, citing alleged illegal construction. However, this order was later challenged legally, and on July 27, the Divisional Commissioner’s court granted an interim stay on the demolition. The next hearing was scheduled for August 25.
And now, on August 19, 2026, the Enforcement Directorate raided nine locations, including Rampur, Saharanpur, and Delhi, linked to Azam Khan, the Jauhar Trust, and the university. This action is reportedly part of an investigation into financial irregularities and money laundering.
Currently, several cases related to Jauhar University are pending before courts and investigating agencies. Therefore, instead of considering the allegations and investigation findings as final, it is important to await official documents and the court’s final decision.
