The Supreme Court on Tuesday restrained the Gujarat government from taking over more than 45,000 square metres of land on which the ashram of self-styled godman Asaram stands in Motera, near the Narendra Modi Stadium. The land was earmarked for the proposed Sardar Patel Sports Complex, which is to be developed for the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG).
Court's Interim Order
A bench of Justices BR Gavai and Augustine George Masih passed the interim order while hearing a petition filed by the ashram trust challenging the Gujarat government's notification to acquire the land. The court directed the state government to maintain status quo regarding the possession and use of the land until the next hearing.
Background of the Dispute
The Gujarat government had issued a notification under the Gujarat Industrial Development Act to acquire the ashram land for the Sardar Patel Sports Complex, which is part of the state's preparations for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. The ashram trust argued that the land was acquired by Asaram in 1994 through a registered sale deed and that the government's action was illegal and arbitrary.
Government's Stand
The state government contended that the land was required for a public purpose and that the acquisition was in accordance with the law. It also submitted that alternative land would be provided to the ashram trust. However, the Supreme Court observed that the government could not dispossess the trust without following due process of law.
Next Hearing
The matter has been posted for further hearing after four weeks. The court also issued notice to the Gujarat government, seeking its response to the petition.
