JODHPUR: The Rajasthan High Court granted a fresh lease on interim bail to controversial spiritual leader Asaram Bapu, pushing it to May 25 due to ongoing medical treatment. This decision pertains to the godman convicted of raping a minor, who is currently serving life imprisonment.
A division bench led by Acting Chief Justice SP Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma approved the extension after reviewing Asaram’s plea. The bail, previously set to expire soon, now holds until May 25 or the disposal of his main appeal against conviction—whichever is earlier.
Defense counsel Yashpal Rajpurohit highlighted that per Supreme Court instructions, the appeal hearings wrapped up, with judgment reserved. He emphasized Asaram’s age-related health issues requiring continued care outside prison. “Treatment must conclude; hence, the need for extension,” he added.
Prosecutors from the state, represented by Additional AG Deepak Chaudhary, resisted, urging no further delays. Asaram’s incarceration dates back to 2018 post-conviction. His bail odyssey includes an initial Supreme Court nod in January 2025 and a six-month High Court term last October.
Simultaneously, in Gujarat, Supreme Court intervention this week halted forcible eviction from Asaram’s Motera ashram. The court shielded the property temporarily amid claims of breaches in land allotment terms, including encroachments beyond permitted limits. Earlier state actions to reclaim portions for developments like the Narendra Modi Stadium vicinity were upheld.
This extension underscores the judiciary’s consideration of humanitarian medical pleas in high-profile cases, as stakeholders await the crucial appeal outcome that could reshape Asaram’s fate.
