Asaram Granted Interim Bail by Supreme Court on Medical Grounds, But Remains in Jail
New Delhi: A week after returning to prison in Rajasthan’s Jodhpur following a 17-day parole, self-styled godman Asaram was granted interim bail by the Supreme Court today on medical grounds. However, he will remain in jail as he also needs interim bail in another rape case.
The 83-year-old, whose real name is Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, was convicted in two separate 2013 rape cases—one involving the assault of a schoolgirl at his Jodhpur ashram and another involving the rape of a woman at his ashram near Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal granted Asaram interim bail until March 31 but imposed restrictions, including a prohibition on meeting his followers after release.
The court also instructed police to escort him to the hospital but emphasized that he should have the freedom to choose his treatment facility.
Asaram Seeks Interim Bail Citing Health Issues, Remains Behind Bars
Asaram’s legal team requested interim bail, citing serious medical conditions as the basis for their plea.
The self-styled godman returned to jail on January 1 after completing a 17-day parole (15 days for parole and 2 days for travel). Previously, he underwent treatment in Pune and was admitted to AIIMS Jodhpur for a heart-related ailment.
Asaram’s Convictions
In 2018, a Jodhpur court sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment for raping a 16-year-old girl at his ashram in 2013. Two of his accomplices were also convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison in the same case.
In January 2023, he was convicted in a separate 2013 rape case involving a woman at his ashram near Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
Legal Challenges
Last year, the Supreme Court sought a response from the Gujarat government on Asaram’s plea to suspend his life sentence in the Gandhinagar case. The court stated it would only consider the appeal on valid medical grounds.
However, the Gujarat High Court rejected his plea in August 2023, refusing to suspend his sentence or grant bail. The court ruled that there was no case for relief, emphasizing the gravity of his offenses.
