The Rajasthan High Court has granted interim bail to Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman, who is currently serving a life sentence for his conviction in a rape case. This move follows a previous decision by the Supreme Court, which had granted him bail until March 31, 2025, on medical grounds, acknowledging his health issues and the need for treatment.
Key Legal Developments
- Bail Grant by Rajasthan High Court: Asaram’s counsels filed a suspension of sentence plea in the High Court after the Supreme Court provided him relief. The High Court bench, led by Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur, agreed to grant him bail, with the same conditions set by the Supreme Court.
- Conditions of Bail: Asaram is prohibited from meeting his followers after being released. This restriction was placed to ensure no influence or misconduct during his bail period.
Details of Asaram’s Conviction
Asaram Bapu was sentenced to life imprisonment in April 2018 for raping a minor at his Jodhpur ashram in 2013. Additionally, a woman from his Gandhinagar ashram filed another rape accusation, leading to another life sentence on January 31, 2023.
Humanitarian Grounds for Bail
The interim bail granted by the Rajasthan High Court was primarily based on humanitarian grounds, with a focus on his medical condition. The High Court also emphasized that Asaram’s medical status will be reassessed as his bail term nears expiration. His legal team presented arguments on the merits of the case, pointing to inconsistencies in the prosecution’s evidence.
Legal Representation
Asaram’s defense team, led by Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, along with Advocates Rajesh Gulab Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, argued that the conviction relied on uncorroborated testimony. They asserted that the plea filed in the High Court mirrored the one submitted in the Supreme Court, with similar valid grounds.
Further Bail Conditions
The conditions set for Asaram’s interim bail mirror those given by the Supreme Court in January 2025. However, one additional condition was imposed: if Asaram needs to travel outside of Jodhpur, he will have to bear the expenses for three police constables who will accompany him.
Previous Legal Decisions
In March 2024, Asaram approached the Rajasthan High Court after the Supreme Court dismissed his plea challenging his conviction in a separate rape case. The High Court allowed him to receive ayurvedic treatment under police custody at the Arogayadham Center in Jodhpur. Additionally, Asaram was granted 15 days of parole in December 2024, with two extra days for travel to undergo medical treatment.
Conclusion
The recent interim bail granted to Asaram Bapu reflects ongoing legal proceedings and concerns about his health. The case remains complex, with further developments expected, particularly in relation to his medical condition and the conditions surrounding his bail.
