Self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a 2013 rape case, appeared before a medical board at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital on Monday for a health examination as directed by the Rajasthan High Court.
Background of Bail Extension
On August 11, the Jodhpur bench of the Rajasthan High Court extended Asaram’s interim bail till August 29. While granting the extension, the bench instructed the hospital authorities to form a panel of doctors, including a cardiologist and a neurologist, to conduct a thorough evaluation of his health. The court further directed that the report be submitted by August 27, two days before the expiry of his bail.
Health Concerns
Asaram’s legal manager, Vikas Khemka, confirmed that the 86-year-old convict appeared before the medical board. He stated that Asaram has a history of heart problems and that doctors at an Indore-based hospital, where he had been receiving treatment, had recommended bypass surgery. “A detailed medical check-up is necessary, and the report will assist the court in deciding on further relief,” Khemka said.
Parallel Relief from Gujarat HC
The Rajasthan High Court’s order came close on the heels of relief granted by the Gujarat High Court in a separate case. On August 7, a division bench of Justices Ilesh Vora and P.M. Raval extended Asaram’s temporary bail till August 21 on medical grounds after noting that he was admitted to a private hospital ICU in critical condition. This was the third such extension granted, in line with the Supreme Court’s July 30 order that allowed Asaram to approach the High Court for bail extension on grounds of deteriorating health.
Legal Context
Asaram is serving life imprisonment for raping a minor disciple at his Jodhpur ashram in 2013. He was convicted by a Gandhinagar court in another 2013 rape case as well. Both Rajasthan and Gujarat courts are currently handling his interim bail pleas, primarily on medical grounds.
