New Delhi: The Supreme Court has cleared the way for the redevelopment of Sabarmati Ashram by dismissing a petition filed by an individual who claimed possession of a portion of the land.

The dispute had been pending for over a decade. In 2014, some occupants had moved the Small Causes Court in Ahmedabad, claiming rights over three properties located within the ashram premises. Meanwhile, as part of the redevelopment plan, the state government began work around June 2025 on open land parcels measuring more than 5,000 square metres.

The occupants continued to challenge the project and later approached the Supreme Court. The petitioner claimed that Mahatma Gandhi had allotted the land to his father, but failed to submit any documentary proof to support the claim. The apex court ultimately dismissed the petition and upheld the actions of the state government and the Mahatma Gandhi Sabarmati Ashram Memorial Trust.

Government Pleader G.H. Virk, appearing in the Supreme Court on behalf of the trust, argued that the redevelopment was a settled issue undertaken in national interest and should not be reopened.

Work related to the development of open land parcels has already begun as part of a larger plan aimed at restoring and preserving the historic character of the ashram. Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, who recently assumed charge as vice-chairman of the trust, is learnt to have closely monitored the final stage of the litigation. DeshGujarat