Gujarat High Court Grants 6-Month Interim Bail to Asaram Bapu on Medical Grounds in 2013 Rape Case

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted six months of interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu on medical grounds in connection with a 2013 rape case.

A division bench comprising Justices Illesh Vora and R.T. Vachhani noted that the Rajasthan High Court had earlier extended similar relief to Asaram in another case involving identical health conditions. The bench emphasized that access to healthcare is a fundamental right, observing that Asaram’s medical ailments warranted temporary relief.

However, the court clarified that the interim bail is limited strictly for medical treatment and does not affect his conviction or life imprisonment.

Asaram’s counsel submitted medical records previously examined by the Rajasthan High Court, highlighting that he had been shifted to AIIMS, New Delhi, on September 18. The lawyer argued that Asaram suffers from cardiac issues, high blood pressure, and thyroid-related problems, requiring specialized care unavailable in prison facilities.

Opposing the plea, the state prosecutor and the victim’s lawyer contended that Asaram has been able to travel frequently and that the medical certificates provided do not suggest any life-threatening condition. They also stated that if additional medical care were needed, Asaram could be transferred to Sabarmati Jail, which is equipped with adequate healthcare facilities.

The case stems from a 2013 complaint filed by a Surat-based woman, alleging that Asaram sexually assaulted her multiple times at his Motera ashram in Ahmedabad. Initially registered in Surat, the case was later transferred to Gandhinagar, where a trial court convicted Asaram in 2023 and sentenced him to life imprisonment.