Rajasthan HC extends Asaram's interim bail till May 25 on medical grounds
Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court has extended self-styled godman Asaram's interim medical bail to 25 May 2025, even as the state opposed any further relief. With his criminal appeal verdict reserved and a parallel land dispute in Gujarat reaching the Supreme Court, the 84-year-old convict's legal battles are converging at a critical juncture.
Key Takeaways
Rajasthan High Court extended Asaram's interim bail until 25 May 2025 on medical grounds.
The bench of Acting Chief Justice S.P.
Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma passed the order on 29 April 2025 .
Asaram, 84 , has been serving a life sentence since 2018 after conviction for raping a minor girl.
The Supreme Court first granted him interim medical bail in January 2025 ; the Rajasthan HC had extended it for six months in October 2025 .
The state, represented by Additional Advocate General Deepak Choudhary , opposed further extension.
A parallel Supreme Court stay protects ashram land in Motera, Ahmedabad from immediate eviction amid a land dispute with the Gujarat government .
The Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday, 29 April 2025, extended the interim bail of self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for rape, until 25 May 2025 on medical grounds. The order was passed by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice S.P. Sharma and Justice Sangeeta Sharma while hearing an application for bail extension.
What the Court Ordered
The bench directed that the interim relief would remain in force until 25 May 2025 or until the High Court delivers its judgment on Asaram's pending criminal appeal — whichever comes earlier. The bail had been due to expire in early May.
Advocate Yashpal Rajpurohit, appearing for Asaram, told the court that hearings on the appeal had already been completed pursuant to directions of the Supreme Court and that the verdict had been reserved. He argued,
Point of View
Then by the Rajasthan High Court, and now again — raise a systemic question about how medical grounds are assessed for convicts serving life sentences. The state has consistently opposed relief, yet courts have continued to grant it, citing ongoing treatment. With the criminal appeal verdict reserved, the next ruling will be consequential: an acquittal would render the bail debate moot, while an upholding of conviction would test whether medical grounds can justify indefinite deferral of sentence. The parallel Gujarat land dispute, now before the Supreme Court, adds a second front that could have wider implications for ashram-linked properties across states.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Rajasthan High Court extended Asaram's bail?
The Rajasthan High Court extended Asaram's interim bail until 25 May 2025 on medical grounds, as his treatment is reportedly ongoing. The court also noted that the verdict on his pending criminal appeal has already been reserved.
What is Asaram convicted of and since when has he been in prison?
Asaram, 84, was convicted of raping a minor girl and has been serving a life sentence since 2018. He was first granted interim medical bail by the Supreme Court in January 2025.
Who opposed the bail extension in court?
Additional Advocate General Deepak Choudhary appeared for the Rajasthan state government and argued against any further extension of Asaram's interim bail.
What is the Gujarat land dispute involving Asaram's ashram?
The dispute concerns land allotted to Asaram's ashram in the Motera area of Ahmedabad, near the Narendra Modi Stadium. Authorities allege the ashram exceeded allotment terms and carried out unauthorised construction. The Supreme Court this week stayed immediate eviction and forfeiture action by the Gujarat government while the matter is examined further.
What happens after 25 May 2025 in Asaram's case?
The interim bail will expire on 25 May 2025 unless the High Court delivers its judgment on his criminal appeal before that date. If the appeal verdict comes first, that ruling will determine whether Asaram returns to custody or receives further relief.
