On Thursday, the Gujarat High Court granted Asaram Bapu a six-month suspension of his life sentence in a 2013 rape case, citing medical reasons. A division bench of Justices Ilesh J. Vora and R.T. Vachhani said, “Granted on the same line. We will modify it accordingly in six months,” referring to the recent Rajasthan High Court order that had provided similar relief.

Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing Asaram, told the court: “The Rajasthan High Court has gone through the medical report (of Asaram) and noted that he was taken to AIIMS on September 18. The medical report states that he has been in an ‘almost vegetative state’, including heart ailments… My request is that the Lordship may consider his medical condition, age… consider a suspension of sentence. Whenever the appeal is listed, we are ready to argue.”

Court Imposes Conditions on Bail

The Gujarat High Court stressed that Asaram’s relief is strictly for medical treatment; his life sentences and convictions remain unaffected. The court prohibited him from conducting religious gatherings, delivering sermons, or participating in other religious activities, while requiring him to stay under police supervision and follow medical advice.

The state government assured the court that if Jodhpur jail could not provide adequate medical care, Asaram could be shifted to Sabarmati jail in Gujarat. However, senior advocate B.B. Naik, representing the rape survivour, argued against the relief: “Last time I said that he wants to tour India. This is noted by the Rajasthan High Court also in the August 27 order. Today he is taking treatment. Certificates produced do not say he is critical.”

Background of Convictions

Asaram Bapu has been convicted in two separate 2013 rape cases. A Jodhpur sessions court sentenced him to life imprisonment in April 2018 for raping a minor at his ashram. In 2023, a Gandhinagar court also sentenced him to life for raping a woman disciple from Surat at his Motera ashram. He faces charges under IPC Sections 376 2(C), 377, 342, 354, 357, and 506. Both convictions have been upheld by higher courts.

Earlier, the Rajasthan High Court had granted Asaram six-month bail in October 2024 on medical grounds. In January 2024, the Supreme Court had granted him interim bail until March. Asaram suffers from multiple health issues including heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, anemia, and gastrointestinal ailments, necessitating treatment unavailable in prison.

Umar Khalid Bail Hearing Still Pending

While Asaram receives temporary relief, Umar Khalid and other accused in the 2019 Delhi riots case must wait as the Supreme Court reconvenes on Monday for further hearings. Legal teams from both sides will present their arguments regarding the bail petition.