The Rajasthan High Court has authorized a week-long Ayurvedic treatment for the incarcerated self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is currently serving a life sentence for rape charges. The decision, delivered by Justices PS Bhati and Munnuri Laxman, comes amid health concerns for the 83-year-old, who has recently suffered heart-related ailments.
Asaram, arrested in 2013 for the rape of a minor at his ashram, had been receiving medical care at AIIMS Jodhpur prior to the court’s decision. His legal team petitioned for his transfer to Madhavbaug Multidisciplinary Cardiac Care Clinic and Hospital in Pune, citing the need for specialized Ayurvedic treatment.
This isn’t the first time Asaram has sought medical relief outside prison walls. In March earlier this year, he applied for a 14-day parole for similar reasons, which was denied by the court following a report from Pune police about potential risks to public order during his stay. Instead, he was allowed Ayurvedic care at a private facility in Jodhpur for approximately two weeks.
Both the Rajasthan High Court and the Supreme Court have previously rejected Asaram’s pleas for sentence suspension based on his health issues. His legal troubles deepened when a Gujarat court, in January 2023, convicted him in another sexual assault case, also resulting in a life sentence. The complainant in this latter case, a woman from Surat, accused Asaram of repeatedly raping her in 2013.
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Under the high court’s current order, Asaram will remain under strict police custody throughout his treatment in Pune, ensuring that he returns to prison upon completion of the prescribed medical care.
