Court intervenes to prevent demolition of a 150-year-old educational institution amid ongoing land dispute in Sitapur.
In a significant ruling, the Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench has directed parties involved in a land dispute to maintain the status quo concerning the property of Methodist Mission Girls Junior High School located in Civil Lines, Sitapur. The decision was rendered by a bench comprising Justices Alok Mathur and Amitabh Kumar Rai, in response to a writ petition filed by the school amidst fears of imminent demolition.
The petitioners, represented by advocates Rohit Tripathi, Akarsh Asthana, and Nida Navi, claimed that the land on which the school is situated has been erroneously classified as Nazool land in government records. The school has been operational on the site for over 150 years, with its origins tracing back to a purchase made in 1862. The petition highlighted the urgent threat of demolition, prompting the court to intervene.
The State of Uttar Pradesh, represented by the learned Additional Chief Standing Counsel Nishant Shukla and counsel for respondent no. 5 Mohit Jauhari, argued that the district authorities had reclaimed portions of the land not used for educational activities. However, the petitioners contested this claim, stating that vital facts had been omitted due to the urgency in filing the petition.
Further complicating the dispute is a civil suit pending before the Civil Judge (Senior Division) in Sitapur, concerning a portion of the disputed property. The court acknowledged the oversight in the writ petition regarding the civil suit and has adjourned the case for further hearing on July 20, 2026.
The court's order to maintain status quo serves to prevent any alteration to the nature of the land until the next hearing. The ruling is a temporary relief for the educational institution, ensuring the preservation of its long-standing presence in the area.
This development underscores the complex legal challenges surrounding land classification and ownership, especially when historical and educational institutions are involved. The court's directive to communicate the order to state authorities without delay further emphasizes the urgency and significance of the matter.
Bottom line:-
Writ petition filed to address the urgency of potential demolition of an educational institution existing for over 150 years. Court directs the parties to maintain status quo over the disputed land until the next date of listing.
Statutory provision(s):
- Land Dispute
- Civil Suit Pending
- Status Quo Order
