Supreme Court asks Rajasthan to verify Asaram Bapu's health records for interim bail plea
- Asaram Bapu has sought interim bail from the Supreme Court citing medical reasons
- The Supreme Court has directed the Rajasthan government to verify his health records
- The state told the court that Asaram recently visited Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath, suggesting he is fit
The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Rajasthan government to examine the medical reports of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who has sought interim bail on health grounds. The court made it clear that it does not want any 'untoward thing' to happen while his plea is being considered.
Asaram Bapu is currently serving a life sentence at a jail in Jodhpur after being convicted in a 2013 sexual assault case involving a minor girl. His deteriorating health has now become the central argument in his latest legal move.
Court wants medical verification first
A bench of the Supreme Court directed the Rajasthan government to submit a detailed report on Asaram's health condition. The court noted that it must proceed carefully given the sensitivity of the case.
'We don't want any untoward thing to happen,' the bench observed while hearing the plea. The court said it would not act solely on the claims made by Asaram's legal team without an independent verification from the state authorities.
State questions fitness claims
The Rajasthan government, however, pushed back against the bail plea. It told the Supreme Court that Asaram Bapu recently visited Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi.
'He is fit,' the state told the court, suggesting that the religious visits contradict the claim that his health has deteriorated to a point requiring release from custody. The state argued that these travels indicate Asaram is capable of normal activities.
Legal history and context
Asaram Bapu was convicted in 2018 by a special court in Jodhpur for raping a 16-year-old girl at his ashram in 2013. The Rajasthan High Court later upheld the life sentence. He has been in custody since his arrest in 2013.
Multiple bail pleas have been filed and rejected over the years. The current petition is based on medical grounds, with his lawyers arguing that he needs specialised treatment not available in prison.
The Supreme Court's cautious approach reflects the high-profile nature of the case. The court has previously faced criticism for decisions in cases involving influential figures, and the bench appeared keen to avoid any perception of favouritism.
What happens next
The Rajasthan government has been directed to submit a comprehensive health report on Asaram Bapu to the Supreme Court. The next hearing is expected after the court receives and reviews these medical records. The outcome will hinge on whether the state's assessment matches the claims made by Asaram's legal team.