Supreme Court Denies Medical Bail to Asaram Bapu
On Thursday, the Supreme Court of India refused to grant interim bail on medical grounds to self-styled godman and convicted rapist Asaram Bapu, whose appeal against his conviction is pending. The bench, comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale, considered a medical report from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) which suggested that while Asaram does not require hospitalization, he could need constant medical care.
Permission for Round-the-Clock Caretaker
The Supreme Court allowed Asaram the option to have a trained caretaker of his choice available to him at all times. “We have considered AIIMS’ report dated July 31, 2026. As per the Solicitor General’s commitment to adhere to the report’s recommendations, the petitioner is free to choose a trained caretaker for continuous assistance,” the Court stated in its order.
The Court further noted that Asaram could re-apply for bail should his health significantly worsen, stating, “The application is adjourned, with liberty to mention the case again if the petitioner’s health deteriorates.”
Background and Legal Proceedings
The bail plea is part of Asaram’s ongoing appeal against the Rajasthan High Court’s decision that upheld his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor devotee in 2013. Allegations state that a minor was confined and sexually assaulted at Asaram’s ashram in Jodhpur.
In May, the Rajasthan High Court confirmed Asaram’s conviction under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Juvenile Justice Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act). Asaram’s defense argued for interim bail, citing “acute internal bleeding” and other health issues.
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Details from Recent Court Hearings
During a hearing on July 17, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Rajasthan, highlighted that Asaram had traveled to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya after receiving medical bail, contradicting claims of his critical health. “He was granted bail on claims of a vegetative state, yet he is traveling,” the SG remarked.
The Court, on July 21, ordered a thorough medical examination by AIIMS, resulting in the report discussed in Thursday’s proceedings. When the matter was revisited, the SG accused Asaram of not disclosing a pending parole application in the Supreme Court.
Asaram’s counsel refuted, indicating that the parole request was not based on health grounds. Ultimately, the Supreme Court’s decision aligned with AIIMS’ recommendations, allowing caretaker assistance but denying bail.
