Will Asaram Stay Out of Jail Until August 12?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Asaram's bail extended until August 12
- First Guru Purnima outside jail in 12 years
- Medical grounds cited for temporary release
- Legal proceedings ongoing
- Public interest in high-profile case
Jaipur, July 8 (NationPress) In a significant turn of events just before Guru Purnima, the Rajasthan High Court has decided to extend the interim bail of the self-proclaimed godman Asaram until August 12. This extension provides him with additional relief after nearly 12 years of incarceration.
The bench, comprising Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Mathur, reviewed Asaram’s request for an extension of his medical bail and approved it.
This decision follows a previous interim bail granted until July 9, along with a 30-day reprieve from the Gujarat High Court on July 3.
At the age of 86, Asaram is currently serving a life sentence due to his conviction in a 2018 rape case from 2013. He is temporarily out of jail for medical reasons.
Post the interim bail on July 1, Asaram departed from his Jodhpur ashram and arrived at his Motera Ashram in Ahmedabad on July 7.
Reliable sources indicate that his expected stay was until July 9, but with the new extension to August 12, he will likely remain in Ahmedabad for a longer duration.
During the hearing in the Gujarat High Court, Asaram’s attorney argued that the bail process consumed approximately 10 days, thereby shortening his time outside jail.
Additionally, the lawyer mentioned that a certificate from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) verifying Asaram's age and terminal illness is still pending.
On the other hand, opposing counsel previously raised doubts about the necessity of Asaram's transfers between hospitals for treatment.
They contended that adequate medical facilities like AIIMS Jodhpur and local Ayurvedic hospitals should suffice, insinuating that Asaram is attempting to extend his time outside prison.
During the court proceedings, the Gujarat High Court made an oral remark stressing that temporary bail extensions should not evolve into an “endless process.”
Referring to a recent directive from the Supreme Court, the bench suggested that such patterns should be avoided and that a conclusive decision may be reached in the forthcoming hearing.
Asaram, who is serving a life sentence for the high-profile 2013 minor rape case, will be out of jail for Guru Purnima for the first time in nearly 12 years.
With the interim bail granted by both the Rajasthan and Gujarat High Courts, he will enjoy bail during Guru Purnima, which is celebrated on July 10 this year.