Surat, Sept 24: The Gujarat government on Thursday slapped a fine of Rs 17 crore on the self-proclaimed god-man who was sent to judicial custody on September 2, 2015. The state government slapped a major penalty on him for encroachment of public land by his ashram in Jehangirpura area of Surat following a Supreme Court order. Also Read - Provide Food & Monetary Support Urgently to Starving 1.2 Lakh Sex Workers: SC Directs States

Asaram was slapped a fine as the case against him states that he acquired a part of 34,400 square metres of unused land out of over 50,000 square metres the state irrigation department in 1976 on the banks of Tapi River to make a protection wall of his Ashram. His ashram had allegedly encroached upon this unused land by building a temple and a cowshed on it.

Though Asaram wanted some more time to challenge the order, the Supreme Court upheld it and now he will have to pay Rs 17 crore to the Gujarat government as fine.