The Gujarat High Court on Friday extended the interim bail of self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu by another three months on medical grounds, permitting him to remain out of jail until June 30. The 86-year-old, who is serving a life sentence after being convicted in a 2013 rape case by a sessions court in 2023, had originally been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court until March 31 due to health concerns. As his scheduled return to jail approached, his legal team sought an extension, citing the need for continued medical treatment and arguing that denying him access to the necessary care would violate his rights as a prisoner.
Asaram Bapu’s counsel, while presenting the plea before the Gujarat High Court, contended that doctors had recommended Panchkarma therapy—a specialized 90-day Ayurvedic treatment regimen—to address his multiple health ailments. The defense sought a six-month temporary bail to allow him to complete the full treatment course, emphasizing that his advanced age and deteriorating health required extensive care that could not be adequately provided within prison facilities. His legal team insisted that forcing him to return to jail without completing his prescribed medical therapy would amount to undue hardship and could worsen his health condition significantly.
The bail plea sparked intense legal debate, leading to a split verdict from a division bench comprising Justices Ilesh J Vora and Sandeep N Bhatt. With differing opinions from the two judges, the matter was referred to a third judge, Justice AS Supehia, for a conclusive decision. After reviewing the medical documents and legal arguments, Justice Supehia ruled in favor of extending the interim bail, emphasizing that an 86-year-old ailing individual should not be restricted to any particular medical system for treatment. The judge observed that while judicial authorities must ensure that convicts serve their sentences, they must also consider humanitarian aspects, particularly in cases involving serious health concerns.
Asaram Bapu has been serving his life sentence at Jodhpur Central Jail after being convicted in multiple rape cases, including one involving a minor girl in Rajasthan. His arrest and subsequent convictions led to massive public outcry, with victims and activists continuously opposing any leniency shown towards him. While his followers have persistently campaigned for his release, citing his age and declining health, his critics argue that serious crimes such as rape should not be overlooked under the pretext of medical conditions. They assert that allowing temporary bail for medical treatment should not be misused as a means to evade justice.
Over the years, Asaram has repeatedly sought permanent bail on health grounds, filing multiple petitions in courts across Rajasthan and Gujarat. However, most of these requests have been denied, with judges ruling that he should serve his full sentence. His legal battles remain a subject of public and media scrutiny, with frequent clashes between his supporters and those advocating for strict enforcement of his punishment.
The extension of his interim bail is likely to fuel further debate, as previous pleas for long-term or permanent release have been consistently rejected. While the Supreme Court’s initial grant of temporary bail on medical grounds was considered an exceptional case, the Gujarat High Court’s decision to extend it underscores the ongoing legal tussle over his treatment and incarceration. With the next deadline set for June 30, it remains to be seen whether Asaram Bapu will seek additional extensions or if the state will challenge the ruling in higher courts, arguing for his return to prison to serve his sentence as mandated by law.
