New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a petition filed by social activist Tushar Gandhi, opposing the Gujarat government’s Sabarmati Ashram redevelopment plan.

A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal dismissed the plea, which challenged the state government’s resolution dated March 5, 2021. Tushar Gandhi had initially approached the Gujarat High Court, arguing against the redevelopment.

The high court disposed of the plea after the Gujarat government assured that the core area of the ashram would remain untouched, with only the surrounding areas being developed. Dissatisfied, Tushar Gandhi moved the Supreme Court.

In April 2022, the Supreme Court overturned the high court’s decision and directed it to reconsider the matter after obtaining a detailed response from the state government. However, on September 8, 2022, the high court dismissed the plea, stating that the project aimed to promote Mahatma Gandhi’s ideas and philosophy for the benefit of society.

Tushar Gandhi challenged this in the Supreme Court, arguing that the ₹1,200-crore project would alter the historic ashram’s landscape and compromise its ethos. He claimed that while 40 identified buildings would be preserved, around 200 structures would either be demolished or reconstructed. DeshGujarat