In a scathing judgment, the Allahabad High Court dismissed the challenge to the cancellation of the lease of Maulana Mohamad Ali Jauhar University’s land in Rampur District, while strongly condemning the actions of former Cabinet Minister and Senior Samajwadi Party leader Azam Khan. The division bench comprising Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta and Justice Kshitij Shailendra underscored Khan’s misuse of his position for personal gain, characterizing the grant of lease as an “abuse and misuse of power.”
The judgment highlighted the circumstances surrounding the acquisition and lease of government land for the Maulana Mohd. Ali Jauhar Training and Research Institute in Rampur. The state government’s decision to lease the institute to Khan, subsequently challenged, was deemed as a manipulation of the law, facilitated by Khan’s influence and disregard for legal protocols.
In 2015, a lease deed was executed between the Governor of the State and the petitioner trust, granting a 33-year lease with an option for renewal, for a nominal premium and annual rent. However, the High Court noted that the entire transaction was marred by irregularities and lack of due process, with Khan’s involvement in the process raising serious concerns about the integrity of the lease agreement.
The Trust argued before the High Court that it was denied any opportunity for a fair hearing before the lease was terminated. Conversely, the state government contended that Khan’s involvement during the lease process justified the cancellation.
The High Court’s judgment serves as a stern rebuke to the abuse of power by public officials for personal gain. It reaffirms the importance of upholding legal principles and ensuring transparency in government transactions, safeguarding against undue influence and corruption.
