In a development that has once again brought self-styled godman Asaram Bapu into the spotlight, the Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted him six-month interim bail on medical grounds. The relief, however, is strictly limited to medical treatment, and the court clarified that his convictions and life sentences in multiple rape cases remain fully in force.

The decision came from a bench of Justices Ilesh J. Vora and R.T. Vachhani, which noted that the Rajasthan High Court had earlier suspended his sentence in a separate case in Jodhpur on similar medical grounds. This precedent played a significant role in the Gujarat court’s decision to grant temporary relief, allowing Bapu to access specialized medical care not available in prison.

Asaram Bapu, who has been convicted in multiple sexual assault cases, was first sentenced to life imprisonment in April 2018 by a Jodhpur court for raping a minor at his ashram in 2013. In 2023, a Gujarat court convicted him in another 2013 rape case registered in Gandhinagar, also sentencing him to life. Alongside these convictions, he has faced charges of conspiracy and witness intimidation, and courts have consistently upheld these rulings.

Senior advocate Devadutt Kamat, representing Bapu, argued that his client suffers from several serious medical conditions, including heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, anaemia, and gastrointestinal illness. According to Kamat, these conditions require continuous specialized care that is not available in jail. In September, Bapu was taken to Delhi to receive treatment for his ailments.

The Gujarat High Court’s decision comes after earlier bail applications were rejected, including one in August, but revived in light of fresh medical reports. The Supreme Court had also granted him interim bail in January 2024 until March of that year, which the Gujarat High Court later extended. The bench acknowledged the seriousness of his medical issues while making it clear that this interim bail does not absolve him of legal responsibility for his crimes.

During proceedings, the Gujarat government suggested that if necessary medical facilities are unavailable in the state’s jails, Bapu could be shifted from Rajasthan to a suitable prison within Gujarat to ensure treatment.

The bail application faced strong opposition from the survivor’s counsel. Senior advocate B.B. Naik, representing the rape survivor, contended that the medical certificates presented did not indicate that Bapu was in a critical condition. “Last time I said that he wants to tour India… Today, he is seeking treatment… No need to grant temporary bail,” Naik argued, emphasizing the need to uphold justice for the survivor and maintain the deterrent effect of his life sentences.

The Gujarat High Court imposed strict conditions alongside the interim bail. Bapu is prohibited from holding religious gatherings, delivering sermons, or participating in any religious activity during the bail period. He will remain under police supervision, must report to local authorities as directed, and comply with prescribed medical treatment protocols.

This development highlights the balancing act courts often face between addressing the humanitarian concerns of incarcerated individuals with serious medical conditions and ensuring accountability for grave criminal convictions. The case also underscores ongoing public scrutiny over how high-profile convicts are treated, especially in cases involving sexual assault and abuse of minors.

Authorities and legal observers note that while Bapu’s medical needs warrant attention, the court’s conditions are intended to prevent misuse of interim bail for purposes unrelated to health, including evading the consequences of his criminal convictions. The case continues to be closely monitored, reflecting broader debates about justice, rehabilitation, and the management of convicts with serious health issues.

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