Supreme Court Rejects Mahatma Gandhi's Great-Grandson's Plea Against Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment

Supreme Court rejects plea against Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment, accepting Gujarat government's assurance to preserve its core structure.

Supreme Court of India

Source : PTI

In a significant legal development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Tushar Gandhi, the great-grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, challenging the ambitious Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment project in Gujarat.

A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal declined to intervene, citing an over two-year delay in filing the petition. The court maintained that mere apprehensions about potential alterations to the ashram’s landscape were insufficient grounds to challenge the project.

Concerns Over the Ashram’s Future

Tushar Gandhi had approached the court after the Gujarat High Court disposed of his plea in 2022. He contended that the redevelopment initiative would fundamentally change the ashram's historic landscape. His petition pointed out that while over 40 existing structures would be preserved, nearly 200 buildings were slated for demolition or reconstruction.

Despite these concerns, the Supreme Court upheld the Gujarat government's assurance that the core five-acre premises of the ashram would remain untouched. This commitment had previously led the Gujarat High Court to dismiss the plea, reinforcing the state's position that the project would not compromise the sanctity of the ashram.

Government’s Stand on the Redevelopment

Representing the Gujarat government, Advocate General Kamal Trivedi reiterated that the redevelopment plan had been designed with sensitivity. He assured that the ashram’s main area, deeply linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy, would remain intact while improvements were made to its surrounding infrastructure.

Tushar Gandhi had sought a directive for the redevelopment to be overseen by the ‘National Gandhi Smarak Nidhi’ (NGSN) to ensure it remained true to Gandhian values. However, with the Supreme Court’s rejection of his plea, the state government is now set to move forward with its vision for the site.

A Historic Landmark

Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in Ahmedabad in 1917. It remains one of India’s most revered heritage sites, attracting visitors from across the world who seek to connect with Gandhi’s ideals of peace and nonviolence. The redevelopment project aims to enhance visitors' experience while preserving the ashram’s historical essence.

With the Supreme Court’s ruling, the debate over modernisation versus heritage preservation continues. As Gujarat embarks on this transformative journey, only time will tell how the balance between progress and legacy is maintained.

(With inputs from PTI.)