Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, has received significant relief from the Rajasthan High Court. The court has granted him six months of interim bail on medical grounds.
Jaipur: Self-proclaimed saint Asaram Bapu (Asaram Bapu), who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, has received significant relief from the Rajasthan High Court. The court has approved 6 months of interim bail for him, taking into account his deteriorating health. This relief was granted by a division bench headed by the acting Chief Justice of the Rajasthan High Court, Sanjeev Prakash Sharma. The court stated in its order that Asaram is currently suffering from serious health problems and requires proper treatment.
Interim Bail Granted on Medical Grounds
Asaram had recently filed an application for regular bail in court, citing his poor health and age-related ailments. It was reported that he is currently admitted to a private hospital, where he is undergoing treatment. After reviewing his medical report and doctors' recommendations, the court stated that considering a humanitarian approach, he is being granted relief for a limited period. Following this order, Asaram will now be able to receive treatment outside of jail for the next 6 months.
Serving Life Sentence in 2013 Rape Case
In 2018, Asaram was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Jodhpur Sessions Court in a 2013 minor rape case. The case involved the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl, who accused Asaram of raping her at his Jodhpur ashram. After a lengthy trial and witness testimonies, the court found him guilty.
Asaram has been imprisoned since August 2013 and has spent over 11 years in jail. Earlier, in January 2024, the Supreme Court had also granted Asaram interim bail until March on medical grounds. At that time, the court had stated that Asaram is elderly and has suffered two heart attacks.
The Supreme Court had ordered the Rajasthan government to provide him with proper treatment and healthcare facilities. Now, considering his current health status, the Rajasthan High Court has approved a new 6-month interim bail.
Asaram and Narayan Sai Also Implicated in Surat Case
Two months after the Jodhpur case in 2013, two sisters in Surat, Gujarat, made serious allegations of sexual harassment and rape against Asaram and his son, Narayan Sai. This case is also currently pending in court. Narayan Sai has also received jail sentences in similar cases and is currently imprisoned in a Gujarat jail.
The High Court stated in its order that, taking into account Asaram's age and health condition, he is being granted temporary relief. During this period, he will not participate in any public gatherings or religious activities. This bail will be limited solely to medical treatment. The court also instructed the state government to submit a report on his health status to the court every month.
