Asaram Bapu, the controversial self-styled godman serving a life sentence for rape, has been granted interim bail by the Supreme Court on medical grounds till March 31. The court directed that he must not meet his followers or tamper with evidence during this period. The 86-year-old spiritual leader cited severe health issues, including heart ailments, as reasons for his release.
Supreme Court’s Conditions For Bail
The bench, comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal, observed that Asaram Bapu suffers from age-related health conditions and a chronic heart ailment. Currently undergoing treatment at the Arogya Medical Centre in Jodhpur, Bapu’s health has been described as fragile. To ensure supervision, the Supreme Court ordered the deployment of security personnel during his bail period.
Convictions And Past Legal History
Asaram Bapu was convicted in 2018 by a Jodhpur court for raping a minor girl in 2013 at his ashram. This was followed by another conviction in 2023 by a Gujarat court for repeatedly assaulting a woman disciple at his ashram. These cases have cemented his fall from grace as a once-revered spiritual leader.
Previous Medical Paroles Granted
This isn’t the first time Asaram Bapu has been granted temporary relief for medical reasons. Last month, he was released on 17 days of parole, returning to Jodhpur jail on January 1. Similarly, in August 2024, the Rajasthan High Court approved a seven-day parole for his medical treatment. Bapu has previously suffered heart attacks and was rushed to AIIMS Jodhpur in February 2024 due to severe chest pain.
Health Concerns Highlighted In Petition
In his petition, Asaram Bapu emphasized his deteriorating health, claiming he had already served 11 years of his sentence. His plea pointed to the need for specialized treatment and close medical supervision, as he has faced multiple health crises, including life-threatening cardiac conditions.
Asaram Bapu’s bail raises concerns about public security and legal accountability, with the Supreme Court taking precautions to limit his interactions and ensure compliance with its directives. The coming months will test the effectiveness of these measures and the broader implications of his release.