SC rejects Tushar Gandhi's petition against Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment project

Citing inordinate delay, the Supreme Court on Tuesday dismissed a petition filed by Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson Tushar Gandhi challenging the Gujarat Government's Rs. 1,200 Sabarmati Ashram Redevelopment Project.

A Bench led by Justice MM Sundresh dismissed Tushar Gandhi’s Special Leave Petition challenging the Gujarat High Court’s September 2022 decision rejecting his challenge to the project, saying the SLP was filed after nearly 2.5 years.

Tushar Gandhi had alleged betrayal of Gandhian legacy. “The proposed project will alter the topography of the century-old ashram to the tune of Rs 1,200-crore and corrupt its ethos. The project has purportedly identified over 40 congruent buildings which will be preserved while the rest of them, roughly 200, will be destroyed or rebuilt,” he had contended.

The Gujarat High Court had in September 2022 rejected Tushar Gandhi’s PIL challenging the proposed redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram, saying it would promote the philosophy of the Father of Nation, which would be beneficial for the society at large. The Ashram would be a place for learning for mankind of all age groups, the high court had said.

The state government had assured the high court that the existing Ashram would not be disturbed, altered or changed.

The Gujarat High Court had taken into account the Gujarat Government’s assurance the redevelopment of the 55-acre land surrounding the Ashram would not disturb the tranquillity of the campus.

The state government had told the high court that the Sabarmati Ashram covered an area of one acre which would remain untouched and the 55-acre land surrounding the Ashram would be redeveloped.