The Rajasthan High Court has granted six months’ bail to self-proclaimed godman Asaram Bapu, who is currently serving a life sentence for the rape of a minor, on medical grounds. This decision was made after hearing Asaram’s plea for the suspension of his sentence and regular bail.
Medical Condition and Bail Hearing
Asaram Bapu, who is 84 years old, had previously been granted interim bail three times. His latest plea for bail was heard by a bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma. His lawyer, Devdutt Kamat, argued that Asaram has been suffering from a prolonged illness and that adequate medical treatment is not available in jail. According to Kamat, granting bail would allow for better medical care outside of prison.
Opposition to the Bail Plea
While Asaram’s counsel pushed for his release on medical grounds, the plea faced opposition from both Additional Advocate General Deepak Choudhary and the counsel representing the survivor, PC Solanki. They argued against granting bail, emphasizing the gravity of Asaram’s crimes.
Court’s Decision
After considering the arguments from both sides, the division bench of the Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram Bapu bail for a period of six months. Asaram has been serving his life sentence since April 2018, following his conviction for the rape of a minor. Prior to this, he had been granted interim bail for medical reasons in January 2025, which was extended twice in July and August of the same year.
Conclusion
The court’s decision to grant bail to Asaram Bapu on medical grounds has sparked mixed reactions, with some supporting the need for medical treatment while others express concerns about the gravity of his conviction. His release for six months will likely be a subject of continued legal scrutiny.
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