Asaram’s Interim Bail Extended Till August 12; Barred from Meeting Followers on Guru Purnima

Self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case, will remain out of prison this Guru Purnima (10 July) for the first time in 12 years. The Rajasthan High Court has extended his interim bail till 12 August, although it has strictly barred him from meeting followers or participating in public events.

A division bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Mathur passed the order on Monday, extending the relief which was earlier set to expire on 9 July. Notably, Asaram had already received 30 days’ interim bail on medical grounds from the Gujarat High Court on 3 July. The Rajasthan High Court had initially granted him interim bail on 1 July, after which he moved from Jodhpur Central Jail to his ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad on 7 July.

Convicted in Rape Case, Jailed Since 2013
Asaram (86) is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2018 by the Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur for raping a minor girl in 2013. Since his incarceration, this is the first time he will be out of prison during Guru Purnima—an occasion when his followers typically gather in large numbers.

Video thumbnail

Court Bars Meeting with Followers
A key condition of his bail, reaffirmed by both the Gujarat and Rajasthan High Courts, is that Asaram must not meet his followers or organize public gatherings. This clause, which was originally added to prevent misuse of bail, continues to apply during the extended period. Given this, it is unlikely that he will participate in any religious or public ceremonies during his temporary release.

READ ALSO  बलात्कार का मामला: अभियोजन पक्ष ने गुजरात की अदालत से कहा, आसाराम 'आदतन अपराधी'; उसके लिए आजीवन कारावास की मांग की

Medical Grounds and Bail Proceedings
In the Gujarat High Court, Asaram’s counsel cited his age, ongoing health issues, and the need for a 90-day Panchakarma therapy as reasons for his bail. The counsel also informed the court that a certificate from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), certifying that Asaram is above 70 years and suffering from a terminal illness, is still awaited.

The defence argued that delays in the legal process had already resulted in a loss of 10 days from his previously granted bail period.

Allegations of Misuse and Court’s Caution
However, the counsel for the state opposed any further relief, alleging that Asaram was deliberately visiting different hospitals to prolong his stay outside jail. The counsel contended that necessary medical treatment could have been administered in Jodhpur’s government or Ayurvedic hospitals.

READ ALSO  Ex- Supreme Court Judge Arun Mishra Could Not Vacate Official Residence due to illness of wife

The Gujarat High Court, while hearing the matter, referred to a recent Supreme Court observation cautioning against the misuse of repeated interim bail extensions. It warned that such practices could become an “endless process” if not curtailed.

The High Court is expected to take a final view in the next hearing. Meanwhile, Asaram remains under police watch at his Ahmedabad ashram.

Background Case Reference:
Asaram was convicted under the POCSO Act in 2018 for the sexual assault of a minor in 2013. Since then, he has been serving a life sentence in Jodhpur Central Jail. Multiple bail pleas on health grounds have been made over the years, some of which were granted under strict conditions.

READ ALSO  HC refuses to stay resolution permitting Ganesha festival at Hubballi's Idgah Maidan
Ad 20- WhatsApp Banner

Law Trend
Law Trendhttps://lawtrend.in/
Legal News Website Providing Latest Judgments of Supreme Court and High Court

Related Articles

Latest Articles