In a major setback to the revered guru Asaram Bapu, the Supreme Court has upheld the Patna High Court order to remove all illegal encroachments from the premises of the famous Bhikamdas Thakurbari located in Kadamkuan area of the State capital.

The two judge SC bench, comprising Justice H K Sema and Justice L S Panta, dismissed the Special Leave Petition (SLP) filed by Asaram’s representative Mahant Sarvesh Das, after being convinced that the HC order was in public interest.

Deccan Herald had carried a report — Sinful acts land saint in soup on August 13, 2006 — which had described how Asaram, who had a huge following across the world, had usurped 13 kathas of land and property worth Rs 2 crore in Patna.

His ashram was being run in an unlawful manner as the Thakurbari was illegally occupied by Asaram Bapu and his disciples on the basis of the forged document obtained from the ousted Mahant Sarvesh Das.

Asaram’s representative had challenged the Patna High Court order in Supreme Court on the ground that the High Court had exceeded its jurisdiction in a civil appeal by asking the Bihar State Board of Religious Trust (BSBRT) to take over the Bhikamdas Thakurbari and restore its lost glory.

As the Supreme Court upheld the Patna High Court order, Asaram Bapu and his disciples are now left with no option other than to vacate the prime land within a week.

Chairman of the BSBRT Kishore Kunal has said that Justice Uday Sinha (retired), whom he had appointed as the sole trustee of the Thakurbari, will take over the management of the temple.