The Supreme Court of India on Tuesday granted interim bail to self-styled ‘godman’ Asaram Bapu until March 31, citing medical grounds. The bail comes with strict conditions, including a prohibition on meeting his followers while outside jail.
Asaram, whose real name is Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, has been in prison since his arrest on August 31, 2013 by Jodhpur Police in a rape case. A teenage girl from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, had accused him of sexually assaulting her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur, leading to his conviction.
The godman, who has a history of heart ailments and has previously suffered a heart attack, was granted bail to seek medical treatment. The Supreme Court has also directed law enforcement officials to supervise him during the bail period to ensure compliance with the imposed restrictions.
This interim bail comes just six days after Asaram returned to Jodhpur jail following a 17-day parole.
Asaram was sentenced to life imprisonment by a Jodhpur court in April 2018 for raping the minor at his ashram in 2013. Additionally, in January 2023, a Gujarat court convicted him for raping a Surat-based woman at another ashram in 2013.
The Supreme Court’s decision follows ongoing legal battles. Last year, the Gujarat High Court rejected Asaram’s petition to suspend his life sentence in the 2023 case. Similarly, the top court sought a response from the Gujarat government on his plea for suspension of the sentence imposed by the trial court in the 2013 case.
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