
The Gujarat High Court has granted self-styled godman Asaram a one-month extension of his temporary bail on medical grounds, but categorically stated that this would be the final such relief granted to him. The order was passed by a division bench of Justices Ilesh Vora and P. M. Raval during a hearing on July 3, 2025. The extension is applicable in a 2013 rape case for which Asaram was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Asaram, aged 86, is currently serving multiple life sentences for two separate rape convictions — one in Gujarat and another in Rajasthan. He was initially granted medical bail by the Supreme Court, which directed him to approach the Gujarat High Court for any further extension beyond March 31, 2025.
Following that directive, Asaram approached the Gujarat High Court and was granted temporary bail on March 28. That relief was to expire on June 30. Before it lapsed, the court granted an interim extension until July 7 to allow time for a formal hearing. During the July 3 session, Asaram’s legal counsel requested a three-month extension, citing ongoing health issues that allegedly require continued medical treatment outside the jail premises.
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However, the court was not convinced about the need for such a long extension and granted only a one-month relief. The bench made it clear that this would be the final extension, closing the door for any future leniency on this front. A detailed written order is expected to be released in the coming days.
The 2013 Gujarat rape case concerns a female disciple who had alleged that Asaram had sexually assaulted her at his ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad, for several years. He was convicted and given a life sentence by a sessions court. In another but equally grave case, Asaram is also under life imprisonment for raping a juvenile girl at his Jodhpur ashram in Rajasthan, which occurred in August 2013. That case also led to a life sentence after a trial in Rajasthan.
Significantly, the Rajasthan High Court has also granted Asaram interim bail in that case till August 12, 2025, and declared that extension final as well. The frequent pattern of medical bail applications has invoked public scrutiny and disapproval by legal observers who contend that such indulgence for convicts in heinous offenses can erode the credibility of the justice system.
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Both times, Asaram had cited declining health and old age as reasons for his temporary release. Medical reports presented to the courts have mentioned problems such as respiratory issues and spinal degeneration, although prosecutors have always contended that these issues do not warrant extended bail, particularly when proper treatment facilities are available within jail or government hospitals.
Asaram has been imprisoned since 2013 following his arrest by the Jodhpur police in the case involving the minor girl. The series of criminal investigations against him have included charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Indian Penal Code sections related to rape and wrongful confinement and other relevant laws.
While both the Gujarat and Rajasthan High Courts made it clear that the current extensions would be the last, Asaram is likely to go back to prison once the respective tenures end. Legal experts suggest that the courts’ firm stance indicates an effort to prevent the misuse of medical bail provisions and to uphold the principle that convicts, no matter how influential, are not above the law.
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The last word in such cases may still rest with the Supreme Court if Asaram or his attorneys choose to appeal the high court judgments. But with the Gujarat High Court’s forthright words and the Rajasthan High Court’s equally firm attitude, any future petitions are going to come under stringent scrutiny.
While the legal deadlines approach, the authorities will also need to take care that Asaram abides by the conditions of his bail and surrenders into judicial custody on time. Any failure to do so might attract contempt proceedings or cancellation of bail.
References:
- Hindustan Times – Asaram’s bail extended by Gujarat High Court
- LiveLaw – Gujarat HC grants final extension to Asaram’s bail
- Times of India – Rajasthan HC extends interim bail till August 12
- Economic Times – Details on Rajasthan case bail extension