Court Intervenes to Protect Historic School Property
The Allahabad High Court has issued an order to maintain the current condition of a piece of land in Sitapur district, which was previously controlled by the Methodist Church. This decision follows claims that a longstanding educational institution faces a demolition threat. The case, titled Methodist Mission Girls Junior High School Civil Lines Sitapur And Another v State of UP, saw a Division Bench comprising Justice Alok Mathur and Justice Amitabh Kumar Rai, directing that no alterations be made to the contested property until the matter is reviewed again.
Urgent Hearing in Response to Demolition Fears
The Court responded on Sunday to an urgent plea from the Methodist Mission Girls Junior High School Civil Lines Sitapur, which has operated on the site for 150 years. The school expressed concerns over the imminent risk of demolition. The property in question spans 3.562 hectares in Chavani Kadim village and has reportedly been misclassified as Nazool land in state records. Originally acquired in 1862, the land has been under the stewardship of the petitioners, who argue for its continued use for educational purposes.
State’s Position on Land Possession
Despite the school’s concerns, the State assured the Court that the area where the church and educational activities are housed remains untouched. However, it was confirmed that some demolition had occurred, and the Nagar Palika Parishad Sitapur took possession of the land on July 10, 2024. A pending civil suit further complicates the matter, leading the Court to mandate a status quo to prevent any changes until a scheduled hearing on July 20.
Legal Representation and Future Proceedings
The petitioners are represented by Advocates Rohit Tripathi, Akarsh Asthana, and Nida Navi, while the respondents have Additional Standing Counsel Nishant Shukla and Advocate Mohit Jauhari representing them. The Court’s decision underscores the legal complexities surrounding land ownership and classification, particularly concerning historical properties.
