New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday ordered status quo till May 4 on land allotted to self-styled godman Asaram’s ashram in Ahmedabad, temporarily halting any action by the Gujarat government to take over the property for a proposed sports infrastructure project linked to the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
A Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed that no demolition or coercive action be taken on the disputed land in Motera, where the ashram stands on over 45,000 square metres near the Narendra Modi Stadium.
The Sant Shri Asharam Trust, which manages the ashram, has challenged a Gujarat High Court order upholding the state’s move to reclaim the land over alleged lease violations and encroachment.
During the hearing, the apex court sought all relevant records related to the disputed land from the Gujarat government within three days and granted the Trust equal time to respond.
The Bench observed prima facie that notices may not have been properly served to the Trust before action was initiated, prompting it to maintain status quo until the next hearing.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on May 4.
Representing the Gujarat government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the Trust had violated lease conditions and carried out large-scale unauthorised construction, including more than 30 buildings allegedly built without permission.
However, senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Trust, contended that the land had been legally allotted decades ago for the ashram, social welfare activities and a school, and claimed the proposed takeover was unlawful.
During proceedings, the court questioned the state’s move, with the Bench remarking on the earlier allotment and subsequent expansion of the lease before the present attempt to cancel it.
The disputed land is proposed to be part of the Sardar Patel Sports Complex planned ahead of the 2030 Commonwealth Games.
The Gujarat High Court had earlier dismissed the Trust’s pleas, observing that it had breached allotment conditions and encroached on surrounding government and riverbed land.
Asaram, 84, is currently out on medical bail while serving life imprisonment in rape cases in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
With the Supreme Court stepping in, all eyes are now on the May 4 hearing, which could shape the future of the disputed land and the government’s sports infrastructure plans.
