In a significant development, the Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu, citing medical grounds. The interim relief, provided solely on humanitarian considerations, will remain effective until March 31, 2025.
A Bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice Rajesh Bindal passed the order, emphasizing that the bail was granted exclusively for Asaram’s medical treatment. “This is a purely humanitarian intervention,” the Court noted, directing compliance with specified bail conditions. The Court also ordered a reassessment of Asaram’s medical status closer to the expiry of the interim bail period.
The apex court’s decision came while disposing of Asaram’s plea for the suspension of his jail sentence. Senior Advocates Devadatt Kamat and Dama Sheshadri Naidu, along with Advocate Rajesh Gulab Inamdar, represented Asaram. They highlighted his advanced age, history of heart attacks, and severe comorbidities to argue for urgent medical care outside of custody.
However, the Court refrained from delving into the merits of Asaram’s conviction. “The plea is being considered solely on the basis of the petitioner’s medical condition,” the Bench clarified.
The government, represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, opposed the bail plea. Mehta underscored the gravity of the offense and asserted that “adequate medical facilities are available in custody to address Asaram’s health concerns.”
Background of the Case
Asaram was convicted in January 2023 by a Gandhinagar sessions court for the repeated rape of a female disciple at his Surat ashram in 2013. He was sentenced under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code.
An appeal against the conviction is currently pending before the Gujarat High Court. Earlier this year, the High Court refused to suspend Asaram’s life sentence, reasoning that no exceptional grounds justified his interim release.
Following this setback, Asaram approached the Supreme Court. The apex court, while granting interim relief, maintained that its focus was limited to his health issues.
The interim bail provides Asaram a temporary reprieve, but the legal battle over his conviction continues, with his appeal yet to be decided by the Gujarat High Court.
