The Supreme Court on Friday, 17 July directed the Rajasthan government to examine the medical records of convicted self-styled godman Asaram Bapu and report whether his health condition justifies the grant of interim bail solely for medical treatment. The order came as the apex court heard Asaram's plea challenging the Rajasthan High Court judgment that upheld his conviction and life sentence in the 2013 minor rape case.

What the Court Directed

A Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale was hearing both Asaram's special leave petition (SLP) against the High Court verdict and a separate application seeking interim bail on health grounds. The Bench directed the Rajasthan government to file its response by 21 July and listed the matter for further hearing on the same date.

The Bench observed that if Asaram's medical condition were found to be serious, interim bail could be considered for a limited period strictly for treatment purposes. 'If you say there is no need, we will not do it. One thing is if his condition is so serious... we don't want ourselves or you to be blamed,' the Justice Sundresh-led Bench noted.

What the State Government Said

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Rajasthan government, submitted that Asaram was currently in fit condition. He told the Bench that approximately three months ago, Asaram had visited Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath temple and had walked without difficulty throughout. 'Three months back, he went to Ayodhya, Kashi Vishwanath, he walked everywhere. He is in fit condition. We will take instructions,' Mehta submitted, adding that he would seek fresh instructions from state authorities before placing the government's formal stand before the court.

Mehta also acknowledged that Asaram was experiencing bleeding linked to a gastrointestinal problem, but characterised it as temporary and noted that he was under medication for the condition.

Asaram's Counsel's Position

Counsel for Asaram countered that his client's health was serious and that he remained at 'high risk.' The defence maintained that the medical situation warranted immediate relief in the form of interim bail. The Supreme Court said it would await the state's assessment before deciding on the bail application.

Background: Conviction and High Court Verdict

Asaram was convicted by a Special POCSO Court in April 2018 for sexually assaulting a minor student at his Jodhpur ashram in 2013. He is serving a life sentence in that case and is additionally serving a life sentence in a separate sexual assault case involving a woman disciple in Gujarat.

The Rajasthan High Court's Jodhpur Bench upheld both his conviction and life sentence on 27 May, while acquitting co-accused Shilpi and Sharad Chandra. Following that verdict, Asaram — who had been out on interim medical bail — surrendered before Jodhpur Central Jail on 28 May. The Supreme Court had earlier issued notice to the Rajasthan government on his SLP but declined to grant interim medical bail at that stage, stating it would first hear the state's response.

What Happens Next

The Rajasthan government is expected to place its formal medical assessment and instructions before the Supreme Court by 21 July. The court's decision on interim bail will hinge on whether the state's medical review corroborates the severity claimed by Asaram's defence — a determination that will be closely watched given the gravity of his underlying conviction.