Report by Swati
NEW DELHI, Aug. 7
The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to grant interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a 2013 minor rape case, but allowed him to engage a trained caretaker of his choice to provide round-the-clock medical assistance in jail.
A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale heard Asaram’s plea seeking interim bail on health grounds. While refusing immediate relief, the court kept the petition pending and granted him the liberty to mention the matter again if his health condition deteriorates.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that Asaram had not disclosed that his legal team had previously filed a parole application. In response, Asaram’s counsel argued that the parole plea had been filed earlier and was not based on medical grounds.
The Supreme Court was also informed that a medical board from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) had assessed Asaram’s health and concluded that he does not require hospitalization. However, the board recommended continuous medical assistance, prompting the court to allow him to appoint a trained caretaker.
Earlier this year, the Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram 20 days’ parole, observing that the state government had failed to adequately justify the rejection of his parole request. The High Court had taken into account his age, duration of incarceration, and conduct during previous periods of interim release.
The legal proceedings stem from Asaram’s conviction in a 2013 case involving the rape of a minor. In May this year, the Rajasthan High Court upheld his conviction and life sentence under Section 376(2)(F) of the Indian Penal Code. While it acquitted him of certain charges related to gang rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, it retained the life imprisonment awarded by the trial court for the rape conviction.
The Supreme Court is expected to continue hearing the matter as Asaram pursues legal remedies regarding his conviction and seeks further relief on medical grounds
