Gujarat High Court Grants Temporary Bail to Asaram Bapu Amid Health Concerns
Last Updated on April 1, 2025 by NewsDesk SLC
On March 28, 2025, the Gujarat High Court granted three months of temporary bail to Asaram Bapu, an 86-year-old self-styled godman convicted in a 2013 rape case and currently serving a life sentence. This decision came after a division bench delivered a split verdict regarding his plea, which ultimately required the input of a third judge, Justice AS Supehia.
Justice Supehia’s ruling emphasized the necessity of considering Asaram’s advanced age and deteriorating health. He noted that confining an elderly and ailing individual to a specific medical treatment regime could be detrimental. The judge highlighted that medical opinions indicated Asaram required Ayurvedic Panchkarma therapy, typically a 90-day course for effective recovery.
The background of this case involves Asaram’s previous interim bail granted by the Supreme Court, which was valid until March 31, based on medical grounds. During the hearing, it was revealed that while Asaram had sought an extension for six months, the State did not argue against his medical needs, specifically addressing the multiple health issues he was facing, including ischemic heart disease and hypertension.
In dissenting, Justice Bhatt asserted that Asaram had not demonstrated a pressing need for bail based on his medical condition, noting a lack of consistency in his follow-up treatments during the interim bail period. However, Justice Vora maintained that severe medical issues necessitated specialized care unavailable in jail, leading to the temporary relief granted to Asaram Bapu.
This ruling highlights the delicate balance between legal accountability and the health needs of elderly inmates, stirring debates on the judicial system’s approach to high-profile convicts.
