New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to self-styled ‘godman’ Asaram Bapu till March 31, 2025, on medical grounds, with strict conditions, including a prohibition on meeting his followers during his release.
Asaram, who has been in jail since his arrest by Jodhpur Police on August 31, 2013, in a rape case, is currently serving a life sentence for another rape conviction.
A bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Rajesh Bindal passed the order, emphasizing that the bail is granted solely on humanitarian grounds to allow Asaram access to urgent medical treatment.
The Court directed that he comply strictly with the imposed conditions, particularly refraining from meeting his followers outside jail.
Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing Asaram Bapu, along with Advocates Rajesh Gulab Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, argued that Asaram’s advanced age, history of heart attacks, and severe comorbidities necessitate his release for specialized medical care.
Kamat also highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution’s case, arguing that the conviction was based solely on the testimony of the prosecutrix without corroborating evidence.
However, the Court opted not to delve into the merits of the case, focusing exclusively on the petitioner’s health concerns.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the State of Gujarat, opposed the plea, asserting that adequate medical facilities are available to Asaram in custody and emphasizing the seriousness of his conviction.
After weighing the submissions, the Court granted bail till March 31, with a provision to reassess Asaram’s medical status closer to the expiration of the bail term.
Asaram was convicted on January 31, 2023, by a Sessions Court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, for repeatedly raping his female disciple at his Ahmedabad-based ashram.
The court sentenced him to life imprisonment under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offences), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation), 357 (assault or criminal force to wrongfully confine a person), and 354 (outraging the modesty of a woman).
Additionally, a teenage girl from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, accused Asaram of sexual assault at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur, leading to his initial arrest in 2013.
The Supreme Court had previously notified the Gujarat Government on November 22, 2024, regarding a Special Leave Petition filed by Asaram, seeking suspension of his life sentence awarded by the Gandhinagar court.
The Apex Court while granting interim bail highlights the judiciary’s consideration of humanitarian concerns while ensuring strict compliance with legal conditions
