Gujarat HC extends Asaram’s bail for three more months on medical grounds

The Gujarat High Court on March 28 granted a fresh three-month temporary bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for rape, citing medical reasons.

The decision followed a split verdict within the bench, requiring intervention from a third judge.

The Supreme Court had initially granted Asaram interim bail on Jan 7 until March 31, allowing him to undergo ayurvedic treatment in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. As the bail period neared expiration, his legal team petitioned the Gujarat High Court for an extension starting April 1.

A division bench comprising Justices Ilesh J. Vora and Sandeep Bhatt reviewed the plea earlier in the day.

While Justice Vora favored granting bail, Justice Bhatt dissented, rejecting the application. This deadlock led to the matter being referred to Justice AS Supehia in the afternoon.

Senior advocate Shalin Mehta, representing Asaram, argued that the 86-year-old suffers from severe heart and kidney ailments, necessitating prolonged ayurvedic `panchakarma' treatment.

He emphasized that the Supreme Court’s January order had permitted Asaram to seek further relief on medical grounds after March 31.

Meanwhile, Gujarat government counsel Hardik Dave contended that while the state did not oppose medical treatment, the court must ensure its necessity before extending bail.

After reviewing the medical documents, Justice Supehia ruled in Asaram’s favor, noting that he had not fully recovered and had not misused his previous bail.

Following his interim bail approval in January, Asaram secured similar relief from the Rajasthan High Court in a separate rape case, leading to his release on January 14 after over 11 years in jail.

Asaram was convicted in April 2018 for raping a minor at his Jodhpur ashram in 2013. In 2023, he was also found guilty in Gujarat for raping a female disciple at his Motera ashram in Ahmedabad.