The Gujarat High Court on August 19 extended Asaram Bapu’s temporary bail till September 3 in the 2013 rape conviction case, granting interim relief on medical grounds amid ongoing legal battles.
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AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat High Court today extended the temporary bail granted to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu till September 3, 2025. The extension was granted by a division bench of Justices Ilesh Vora and PM Raval, after considering submissions related to his medical condition.
Background of the Case
Asaram Bapu, who has been serving life imprisonment, was convicted by a Gandhinagar court in January 2023 for repeatedly raping a woman disciple between 2001 and 2006 at his ashram in Motera, near Ahmedabad. He was held guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including:
- Section 376(2)(c) – Rape
- Section 377 – Unnatural offences
- Section 342 – Wrongful detention
- Section 354 – Assault with intent to outrage modesty
- Section 357 – Assault
- Section 506 – Criminal intimidation
In addition, Asaram is also serving a life sentence in another rape case in Rajasthan, where he was convicted for sexually assaulting a minor girl at his Jodhpur ashram in 2013.
Supreme Court’s Directions
Over the past year, Asaram has approached various courts citing serious health complications. On July 30, the Supreme Court allowed him the liberty to seek an extension of temporary bail from the Gujarat High Court, although it had earlier clarified that no further requests would be entertained purely on medical grounds.
- Initially, the apex court granted him interim bail till July 7, 2025, which was later extended for another month.
- Subsequently, the Gujarat High Court granted him temporary relief, observing his treatment in the ICU of a private hospital and reports indicating critical health conditions.
Current Legal Proceedings
- The Gujarat High Court has now extended his bail till September 3, 2025.
- Meanwhile, the Rajasthan High Court is scheduled to hear his interim bail plea in the 2013 minor rape case on August 29, 2025.
- On the directions of the Rajasthan HC, Asaram underwent a medical checkup at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital earlier this week.
Case Title:
Ashumal @ Asharam s/o Thaumal Sindhi (Harpalani) v State of Gujarat & Anr
CRIMINAL MISC.APPLICATION NO. 2 of 2025 In CRIMINAL MISC.APPLICATION NO. 1 of 2025 In R/CRIMINAL APPEAL NO. 607 of 2023
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