Asaram's Ashram To Be Demolished? Gujarat HC Allows Govt To Take Over Rs 500-Crore Land

Last Updated:February 05, 2026, 15:43 IST

The land has been earmarked for expansion of the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, a key project linked to the state's preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2030

Asaram, who is serving a life sentence, was recently granted conditional bail on medical grounds. (PTI)

The long-running dispute over nearly 45,000 square metres of land at Asaram’s ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad, has reached a decisive end, with the Gujarat High Court allowing the state government to reclaim the land, paving the way for the removal of illegal constructions and future development.

Following the ruling, authorities have accelerated preparations to clear unauthorised structures from the ashram complex. The land has been earmarked for expansion of the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave, a key project linked to the state’s preparations for the Commonwealth Games 2030.

According to official records, the premises contained at least 32 illegal structures, valued at around Rs 500 crore. Investigations found that these structures were not only illegal but were also being used for commercial purposes. Citing violations of building rules and encroachment on government land, the collector’s office had earlier issued notices to the ashram trust.

The trust subsequently sought to regularise the constructions by paying an “impact fee", but the request was rejected by the authorities, leading to the legal battle. Delivering the verdict, Justice Vaibhavi Nanavati ruled in favour of the state, observing that the government’s action was justified in view of serious rule violations and the larger public interest involved in development projects.

With the court’s clearance, the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation is now authorised to remove the illegal structures at any time after completing security and procedural formalities. Officials said the land would be utilised for a modern sports complex, training facilities and a proposed Olympic village as part of the Sports Enclave project.

The verdict is being seen as a significant boost to Gujarat’s infrastructure plans, particularly its ambition to host the Commonwealth Games 2030. State officials have maintained that world-class sports facilities are essential for the event and that the Motera land is strategically critical to these preparations.

Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case and was recently granted conditional bail on medical grounds, visited the Surat ashram on January 2 after nearly 13 years. Videos showing followers welcoming him with music and celebrations had drawn public attention.

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