The Supreme Court has dismissed Tushar Gandhi’s plea against the Gujarat government’s ₹1,200 crore redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram, clearing the way for a transformation that critics argue undermines its Gandhian essence.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal refused to entertain Gandhi’s challenge to the Gujarat High Court’s 2022 decision, which had upheld the government’s ambitious revamp plan.
Gandhi contended that the project would strip the ashram of its historic simplicity, turning it into a state-controlled showcase with museums, amphitheaters, and food courts—far removed from the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, who had envisioned the space as a sanctuary for Harijan families and a hub for social reform.
The petition referenced a 1933 letter in which Mahatma Gandhi expressed his wish to dedicate the ashram’s land to the Harijan Sevak Sangh, reinforcing concerns that the redevelopment might displace long-standing residents and marginalize institutions historically tied to the site.
However, the Gujarat High Court had ruled that the government’s reassurances were sufficient, emphasizing that core Gandhian institutions remained untouched and no commercial activities would take place on ashram grounds.
With the Supreme Court’s refusal to intervene, the redevelopment moves forward, setting the stage for a modernized interpretation of one of India’s most revered historical landmarks.
