The administration of King George Medical University (KGMU) in Lucknow has taken a decisive step toward clearing five illegal shrines located within its premises. This move comes after a previous notice was issued on January 22 for a total of six shrines, of which only one committee responded. The remaining five committees face an ultimatum to appear before the university's secretary by February 28, 2023. According to spokesperson Dr. K.K. Singh, these shrines were constructed illegally by families of former employees who had initially buried their relatives on vacant land.

KGMU has identified specific locations on the campus where these shrines are situated, including the Queen Mary Hospital complex, the Microbiology department, the New Boys Hostel, the Respiratory Medicine department, and the Shatabdi Phase-2 Hospital complex. The university administration asserts that the institution is undergoing expansion and requires the land occupied by these shrines for development purposes. As the structures have existed for 30 to 40 years without proper authorization, the university argues that their removal has become imperative to facilitate the expansion.

This development raises important questions about the intersection of religious sentiments and institutional needs. While the university emphasizes the necessity for expansion and compliance with legal norms, the removal of these historically significant shrines can potentially lead to unrest among the affected communities. The administration's handling of this issue will be closely monitored, reflecting broader themes of land use, legality, and social harmony in urban development contexts in India.