HC Clears Takeover Of Asaram Ashram Land In Ahmedabad

12 Feb 2026 CW Team

The state government told the court that the land was allotted decades ago for limited religious use and was never intended for commercial activities or unauthorised construction. Officials said the ashram had gradually expanded beyond permitted boundaries and had sought regularisation for multiple structures, a pattern that strengthened the case for state intervention. Investigations and site inspections reportedly indicated extensive construction outside the original allotment and breaches of approval norms.

Chief Government Counsel G.H. Virk submitted that the action taken by authorities was neither sudden nor arbitrary and that the ashram had been served multiple notices and afforded opportunities to present its case. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation rejected more than 30 applications seeking regularisation and maintained that unauthorised structures cannot be legitimised in a rapidly developing urban area. With the High Court nod, land that had been tied up in litigation for years is set to revert to state control.

Officials stated that the ashram complex, valued at around Rs five billion (bn), contains 32 illegal constructions and that the civic body had issued demolition notices and rejected the impact fee application on 21 January 2026, directing the matter to the Appellate Authority. The civic body has decided to appoint legal counsel to pursue the case expeditiously and ensure procedural compliance. Demolition and reclamation are expected to follow after statutory clearances and administrative formalities.

Redevelopment is presented as a contribution to public infrastructure and sports facilities ahead of the event, with authorities emphasising the need to protect public land from encroachment. Officials said the process will balance legal requirements and urban planning priorities.

The Gujarat High Court has approved the takeover of around 45,000 square metres of land belonging to the Asaram Ashram in Ahmedabad, paving the way for the demolition of more than 30 illegal structures. The reclaimed land is earmarked for the development of the Sardar Patel Sports Enclave as part of preparations for the Commonwealth Games, which Ahmedabad is scheduled to host in 2030. The court decision follows prolonged litigation and administrative reviews of the property. The state government told the court that the land was allotted decades ago for limited religious use and was never intended for commercial activities or unauthorised construction. Officials said the ashram had gradually expanded beyond permitted boundaries and had sought regularisation for multiple structures, a pattern that strengthened the case for state intervention. Investigations and site inspections reportedly indicated extensive construction outside the original allotment and breaches of approval norms. Chief Government Counsel G.H. Virk submitted that the action taken by authorities was neither sudden nor arbitrary and that the ashram had been served multiple notices and afforded opportunities to present its case. The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation rejected more than 30 applications seeking regularisation and maintained that unauthorised structures cannot be legitimised in a rapidly developing urban area. With the High Court nod, land that had been tied up in litigation for years is set to revert to state control. Officials stated that the ashram complex, valued at around Rs five billion (bn), contains 32 illegal constructions and that the civic body had issued demolition notices and rejected the impact fee application on 21 January 2026, directing the matter to the Appellate Authority. The civic body has decided to appoint legal counsel to pursue the case expeditiously and ensure procedural compliance. Demolition and reclamation are expected to follow after statutory clearances and administrative formalities. Redevelopment is presented as a contribution to public infrastructure and sports facilities ahead of the event, with authorities emphasising the need to protect public land from encroachment. Officials said the process will balance legal requirements and urban planning priorities.

Technology

29 Jul 2026

AI-Enabled Workflows Lift Profitability and Productivity

Organisations modernising frontline workflows with artificial intelligence, automation and real-time data are reporting stronger financial performance, higher productivity and improved employee engagement, according to a global study by Zebra Technologies and Oxford Economics.The research covered 1,000 senior leaders across retail, manufacturing, transportation and logistics in the US, Mexico, the UK, Germany, India, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.In transportation and logistics, 54 per cent of companies that improved picking and packing operations reported faster operational performance, wh..

Real Estate

29 Jul 2026

India Leads Global AI Readiness but Implementation Lags

Indian companies lead global averages across all eight artificial intelligence readiness indicators tracked by JLL, but only 19 per cent have started making changes to their workplaces, according to the JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey.The study found that 77 per cent of Indian business leaders expect AI to change their office requirements, creating a 58-percentage-point gap between awareness and implementation. The survey covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs and real estate leaders across 21 countries during the first quarter of 2026.Despite concerns over automation, 58 per cent of Indian leaders..

Equipment

29 Jul 2026

Three WOLFF Cranes Build Riyadh Cable-Stayed Bridges

Three WOLFF 180 B luffing jib cranes are supporting the construction of two cable-stayed bridges alongside the existing Wadi Laban Bridge in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The project is being developed for the Royal Commission for Riyadh City and executed by the ICRC joint venture comprising IC Ictas and Al Rashid Trading & Contracting Company.The cranes are handling lifting operations including formwork, reinforcement, concrete placement, work platforms, surveying equipment and other construction materials. Each crane is fitted with a 40 m jib, reaches a hook height of 157 m and offers a maximum ..