Jailed godman Asaram gets another bail extension by Gujarat HC until Aug 21

Jaipur: Jailed self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving life sentences in rape cases in both Gujarat and Rajasthan, has once again received temporary relief. The Gujarat High Court has extended his interim bail for medical treatment until August 21. Following this extension, it is anticipated that Asaram will move the Rajasthan High Court seeking a similar extension of interim bail in the Jodhpur rape case.

Earlier, Asaram had approached the Supreme Court seeking an extension of his interim bail. However, on July 30, the apex court refused to hear the petition and directed him to seek relief from the Gujarat High Court instead.

Meanwhile, an appeal for suspension of his life sentence is pending before the Rajasthan High Court in the 2013 minor rape case in Jodhpur. Asaram was convicted by the Special POCSO Court in 2018 and sentenced to life imprisonment. Despite being listed for hearings on July 21, July 25, and August 1, the appeal has not yet been heard, with the court adjourning the matter each time.

In January 2025, the Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram interim bail on medical grounds until March 31. However, when the Gujarat High Court's relief expired in April, the Rajasthan High Court initially declined to extend the bail, citing allegations that Asaram violated Supreme Court guidelines by allegedly delivering sermons during his release period. The court demanded an affidavit in response to these claims.

Subsequently, on July 8, a division bench of the Rajasthan High Court extended Asaram’s interim bail until August 12. With the Gujarat High Court now granting an extension until August 21, legal observers believe that Asaram is likely to seek a similar extension from the Rajasthan High Court soon.

With inputs from IANS