The Madhya Pradesh High Court has put a temporary hold on demolition proceedings targeting a heritage property linked to Al-Falah University’s founding family, granting the current occupant, Abdul Majid, a personal hearing. The order came after Majid challenged a demolition notice issued by the Mhow Cantonment Board, citing alleged “unauthorised” construction on parts of his residence.
During the hearing, the court observed that the prior demolition notices were served nearly thirty years ago — in 1996 and 1997 — raising questions about procedural fairness. Given the long gap, the bench, led by Justice Pranay Verma, emphasized that any renewed action after such a lengthy delay requires an opportunity for the occupant to be heard.
Majid, who resides in the three-storey building, told the court that the demolition notice was vague. He argued that the notice did not clearly identify which portion of his property was deemed illegal, and it relied heavily on decades-old documentation rather than a recent survey. He further submitted that the board had failed to follow Supreme Court guidelines issued earlier in 2025, which mandate a minimum response period of 15 days before any coercive action.
In response, the High Court directed Majid to file a detailed reply with all supporting documents within 15 days. Following this, a formal hearing must be conducted, and only post-hearing can a “reasoned and speaking” decision be issued. Crucially, the court ruled that no demolition or structural action may be taken during this process, nor for ten days afterward if the eventual order is adverse to Majid.
The contested property, known locally as “Maulana’s Building,” has a layered ownership history. Originally owned by the late Hammad Ahmed Siddiqui — the father of Al-Falah University chairman Jawad Ahmed Siddiqui — the house was later gifted to his son, who in turn, transferred it to Majid. Majid claims lawful possession through this gift.
The demolition notice issued by the Cantonment Board followed renewed scrutiny of the Siddiqui family amid ongoing investigations. The court’s interim stay and direction for a hearing underscore the importance of due process, especially when historic documents and long-pending notices are involved. The matter is expected to return to court after the 15-day period, with both sides now set to make their case.
