The Supreme Court of India on Monday restrained the Gujarat government from taking any “coercive action” to acquire land linked to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in Ahmedabad.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta directed that status quo be maintained, meaning the current possession of the land by Asaram and his family cannot be disturbed for now.
The court said the show-cause notice issued by authorities “prima facie lacks material particulars,” raising concerns over the basis of the government’s action.
Land Linked to Sports Infrastructure Plans
The disputed land, spread over more than 45,000 square metres in Motera, is part of a larger area earmarked for a proposed sports complex. The project is linked to India’s plans for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games and bidding for the 2036 Olympics.
The state had moved to reclaim the land, alleging that the ashram had exceeded its original allotment and encroached on additional government land, including parts of the Sabarmati riverbed.
Court Questions Basis of Government Action
During the hearing, the bench told the government that its case must stand on the contents of the notice issued to the affected party.
“Your notice prima facie lacks material particulars,” the court observed, adding that administrative decisions must clearly spell out allegations.
The judges also questioned the state’s changing stance, noting that some portions of the land earlier treated as encroachments had been regularised in the past. “What happened overnight that you want it cancelled?” the bench asked.
High Court Order Put on Hold
The Supreme Court’s interim order effectively pauses an April 17 ruling by the Gujarat High Court, which had allowed the state to proceed with reclaiming the land.
The High Court had held that the ashram violated land-use conditions and carried out unauthorised construction, rejecting its plea for regularisation.
Ashram Calls Action “Illegal”
Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the ashram, argued that the move was “illegal and mala fide.” He claimed the trust was being targeted because the land falls within a high-value development zone.
He also said the ashram had approvals dating back decades and similar deviations elsewhere had been regularised.
Next Hearing Soon
The Supreme Court has asked the Gujarat government to file its response within three days, with the petitioners given time to reply. The matter is scheduled for further hearing in early May, and the status quo order will continue until then.
Background of the Case
Asaram Bapu, who founded the ashram in 1972, is currently serving life sentences in multiple rape cases. He was convicted in 2018 in a minor’s rape case and again in 2023 in a separate case involving a woman disciple. He is presently out on medical bail.
