Gujarat High Court Clears Way for Land Acquisition for Sports

The Gujarat High Court has dismissed a plea from the Sant Shri Asharam Ashram, founded by the controversial figure Asaram, allowing the government to proceed with land acquisition aimed at developing sports infrastructure for the upcoming Commonwealth Games 2030. This decision enables the state to reclaim approximately 45,000 square metres of land located in the Motera area of Ahmedabad, close to the notable Narendra Modi Stadium and the under-construction Sardar Patel Sports Complex.

The plea was rejected on October 5, 2023, by a single bench presided over by Justice Vaibhavi Nanavati. During the proceedings, government pleader GH Virk argued that the land in question was originally granted for limited religious use but had been unlawfully expanded beyond its designated boundaries. He explained that the ashram was granted this land on the condition that it would not be utilized for commercial purposes or unauthorized construction, requirements that were not adhered to, as inspections revealed significant violations.

The government emphasized that the ashram had received multiple notices and hearings regarding its encroachment on the land. It contended that allowing the ashram to expand through such encroachments would set a dangerous precedent. Virk stated, “The ashram cannot be permitted to legitimize its unauthorized occupation of the land.”

With Ahmedabad gearing up to host the Commonwealth Games in 2030, the recovery of this land is part of the state’s broader initiative to enhance and develop sporting facilities in the region. The court’s ruling aligns with the government’s objective to foster an environment conducive for not only the Commonwealth Games but also potential future Olympic aspirations.

The background of the ashram’s founder adds a significant layer to this case. Asaram, aged 84, is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted of raping a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013. In January 2023, he was again sentenced to life imprisonment in a separate case for the repeated sexual assault of a female disciple between 2001 and 2006.

This ruling marks a pivotal moment in the state’s efforts to reclaim land for public use, particularly in light of the upcoming sporting events that aim to place Ahmedabad on the international sports map. The decision reflects a commitment from the Gujarat government to prioritize infrastructure development while addressing legal and ethical concerns surrounding land use by religious organizations.