Today, On 7th April, The Rajasthan High Court extended the interim bail of rape convict Asaram by almost two months. His bail will now be valid until July 1. The extension was granted in response to a petition filed by Asaram. Further hearings on the matter are expected in the coming weeks.
The Rajasthan High Court on Monday extended the interim bail of self-styled ‘godman’ Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for rape, by nearly two months on medical grounds.
The new bail period will last until July 1.
Asaram, 83, was sentenced to life imprisonment in April 2018 for the rape of a minor at his ashram in 2013.
A division bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Kumar granted his plea under the same conditions set by the Supreme Court, which included a ban on any sermons or gatherings with his devotees.
During the hearing on April 2, the respondent’s counsel, PC Solanki, opposed the bail extension, arguing that Asaram had violated the conditions by conducting sermons for devotees at his Indore ashram.
Asaram’s lawyer, Nishant Bora, stated that an affidavit was submitted to the court on Monday, and the court accepted this affidavit, granting the request for an extension of interim bail until July 1.
Asaram had surrendered to Jodhpur Central Jail on April 1 around 1:30 PM after his interim bail expired. However, later that evening, at approximately 11:30 PM, he was admitted to a private hospital, Arogyaam. No official statement has been issued regarding the reasons for his hospitalization.
Previously, the Gujarat High Court had granted him interim bail on March 28 for three months in another rape case in Surat.
Earlier, The Rajasthan High Court outlined conditions for Asaram’s interim bail that largely echo those established by the Supreme Court. A significant difference, however, is that if Asaram wishes to leave Jodhpur, he must bear the costs for three constables who will accompany him.
Asaram, convicted in 2018 for the 2013 rape, has faced numerous legal and medical challenges. His case has garnered substantial media coverage as he continues to assert his innocence, claiming the allegations are fabricated.
The High Court’s decision to grant interim bail highlights concerns regarding his health and the ongoing legal proceedings he is involved in. His release on medical grounds is contingent upon the stipulations set forth by both the Supreme Court and the Rajasthan High Court.
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In March last year, the Supreme Court rejected Asaram’s plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s order upholding his conviction in another rape case.
Later, he requested the Rajasthan High Court, which allowed him to receive Ayurvedic treatment at the ‘Arogayadham Center’ in Jodhpur under police custody in March 2024. He was then given parole for 15 days on December 18, along with 2 extra days for travel to receive treatment.