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The Supreme Court, on April 1, dismissed a petition filed by Tushar Gandhi, Mahatma Gandhi’s great-grandson, against the Gujarat government’s plan to redevelop the Sabarmati Ashram.
The court cited a delay of 2.5 years in filing the plea and ruled that the Gujarat High Court had already taken his concerns into account.
A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal stated, “Some matters are beyond judicial interference.”
The plea challenged the state’s decision, arguing that the project, estimated at Rs 1,200 crore, would alter the fundamental simplicity of the Ashram and turn it into a state-controlled monument detached from Gandhian values.
Gandhi’s Legacy At Risk?
The redevelopment plan aims to transform the 54-acre Sabarmati Ashram, including 48 surrounding heritage properties, into a world-class tourist attraction with museums, amphitheaters, and food courts.
Tushar Gandhi contended that this modernization contradicts Gandhian principles and violates Mahatma Gandhi’s personal wishes and will.
He feared that the project would diminish the historical and cultural significance of the site, which played a central role in India’s freedom movement.
Mahatma Gandhi founded Sabarmati Ashram, also known as Gandhi Ashram, in 1917 and lived there for 15 years until he embarked on the historic Dandi March in 1930.
The petitioner urged the preservation of the ashram’s simplicity and spiritual essence, opposing its replacement with commercialized elements.
High Court’s Verdict & State’s Vision
Earlier, the Gujarat High Court had dismissed Tushar Gandhi’s plea on November 25, 2021.
The state government maintained that the project aims to enhance the site’s significance and accessibility for global visitors while ensuring that the essence of the Ashram remains intact.
The government has defended the redevelopment by stating that the initiative will not erase Gandhian values but will rather highlight the historical importance of the Ashram to a wider audience.
Officials argue that upgrading infrastructure, preserving key heritage structures, and creating visitor-friendly amenities will reinforce the site’s relevance in modern times.
Balancing Heritage & Development
The Supreme Court’s decision signifies that legal challenges to the redevelopment project have now been exhausted.
While heritage conservationists and Gandhi’s descendants express concerns about commercialization, the Gujarat government remains committed to its vision of making Sabarmati Ashram a global landmark.
The debate underscores the challenge of balancing historical preservation with modernization, especially when it involves a site deeply tied to India’s freedom movement and Gandhian philosophy.
As the redevelopment moves forward, ensuring that Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy remains honored and respected will be a critical aspect of the project’s execution.
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