Health report of convicted priest to determine temporary release, says Supreme Court

In a hearing at New Delhi, the Supreme Court handed down a procedural order in the bail petition of Asa Ram Bapu, the priest serving life sentences for two separate sexual‑offence convictions.

The court ordered the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to compile a detailed health dossier that includes his recent gastrointestinal bleed, ongoing medication, and any risk factors that could affect his incarceration.

The bench emphasized that the medical dossier will be the primary basis for deciding whether a limited period of interim bail can be granted. Earlier, the court had asked Rajasthan authorities to verify his health status and submit a report. The state’s counsel argued that the prisoner is presently stable, with the only issue being a temporary gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and noted his recent pilgrimages to Ayodhya and Kashi‑Vishwanath.

Justice Mehta warned that a decision must be careful: a non‑serious health problem does not justify bail, while a serious condition could warrant a short‑term release strictly for treatment.

The court will issue its final order after reviewing the AIIMS findings.

For context, Asa Ram Bapu was convicted in 2018 by a Jodhpur special POCSO court and received a life sentence, a verdict upheld by the Rajasthan High Court. He also serves a life term in Gujarat for a sexual‑harassment case involving a female disciple.