The Gujarat High Court has cleared the way for the state government to reclaim around 45,000 square metres of public land occupied by Sant Shri Asaram Ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad, rejecting the ashram’s petitions against the move.
The land, estimated to be worth about ₹500 crore and located near the Narendra Modi Stadium and Sardar Patel Sports Complex, was originally allotted decades ago only for limited religious use. The allotment carried strict conditions prohibiting commercial activities, unauthorised expansion, or construction beyond the permitted area.
Representing the state, the government pleader informed the court that multiple notices had been issued to the ashram regarding illegal constructions and sufficient opportunities were provided for a hearing. Records showed that the ashram had repeatedly sought regularisation of the unauthorised structures.
Earlier, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) had rejected applications seeking legalisation of more than 30 such buildings, ruling that they were not eligible for regularisation. With the High Court dismissing the petitions, authorities can now proceed to take possession of the land and remove the illegal structures.
The reclaimed land is expected to play an important role in Ahmedabad’s long-term sports infrastructure plans, including the proposed Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, Olympic Village, and other facilities planned across nearly 650 acres as the city prepares for major future sporting events, including the proposed 2030 Commonwealth Games.