Has Gujarat HC Granted Medical Relief to Asaram?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Asaram has received an extension of his interim bail until August 21.
- He is currently serving life sentences for rape in both Gujarat and Rajasthan.
- A similar extension is anticipated in the Rajasthan High Court.
- Public interest remains high due to the nature of the case.
- The matter highlights critical judicial processes regarding high-profile offenders.
Jaipur, Aug 7 (NationPress) The imprisoned self-proclaimed spiritual leader Asaram, currently serving life sentences for rape in both Gujarat and Rajasthan, has once again secured a temporary reprieve on Thursday.
The Gujarat High Court has extended his interim bail for medical treatment until August 21.
In light of this extension, it is anticipated that Asaram will also petition the Rajasthan High Court for a similar extension regarding his interim bail in the Jodhpur rape case.
Previously, the incarcerated leader sought an extension of his interim bail from the Supreme Court.
However, on July 30, the apex court declined to consider the petition, advising Asaram to approach the Gujarat High Court for relief instead.
Meanwhile, a plea for the suspension of his life sentence remains pending in the Rajasthan High Court concerning the 2013 minor rape case in Jodhpur.
Asaram was convicted by the Special POCSO Court in 2018 and sentenced to life imprisonment.
His appeal is still awaiting a hearing, even though it has been listed on July 21, July 25, and August 1, with the hearings adjourned each time.
Earlier in January 2025, the Rajasthan High Court granted him interim bail on medical grounds until March 31.
However, when the relief from the Gujarat High Court lapsed in April, the Rajasthan High Court initially refused to extend the bail, citing allegations that Asaram had breached Supreme Court guidelines by allegedly delivering sermons during his release.
The court subsequently demanded an affidavit in response to these allegations.
On July 8, a division bench consisting of Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur prolonged Asaram's interim bail until August 12.
With the Gujarat High Court now granting an extension until August 21, legal analysts believe that Asaram is likely to approach the Rajasthan High Court soon to seek a similar extension there.
The ongoing case continues to attract public interest due to its high-profile nature and Asaram's persistent attempts to obtain bail on medical grounds.