Rape convict Asaram gets 20-day parole; Rajasthan HC says state failed to justify rejection
Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram his first regular parole for 20 days after concluding that the state had not adequately justified rejecting his application.
A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit ordered his release after he furnishes a personal bond of ₹50,000 and two sureties of ₹25,000 each.
The court noted that Asaram has spent more than 13 years in Jodhpur Central Jail and had complied with conditions whenever he was previously released on interim bail.
While allowing the parole, the High Court observed that there was no record of Asaram violating bail conditions, attempting to abscond, influencing witnesses or creating any law and order issues during his earlier interim releases.
The bench said these factors supported his request for regular parole under the Rajasthan Prisoners Release on Parole Rules.
Why the state opposed parole
The Rajasthan government opposed the application, arguing that Asaram could flee if released.
It also cited his conviction in another rape case in Gujarat, pending criminal proceedings outside Rajasthan, his ongoing medical treatment and concerns over the security of the victim's family.
However, the High Court ruled that these objections were largely speculative and not supported by evidence. It further said that convictions or pending cases in other states could not be used as grounds to reject parole under the applicable Rajasthan rules.
Supreme Court hearing continues
Separately, the Supreme Court is hearing Asaram's plea seeking interim bail on medical grounds.
During proceedings on Tuesday, the court was informed that an AIIMS medical board had concluded that he does not require hospitalisation but does need round-the-clock medical assistance.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on August 6.
Why Asaram is in jail
Asaram is serving a life sentence after being convicted in 2018 for raping a minor girl at his ashram near Jodhpur in 2013.
According to the prosecution, the minor was brought to the ashram for a ritual that was claimed to cure her of evil spirits. The court found that Asaram sexually assaulted her during the ritual.
He was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and sentenced to life imprisonment by a special court in Jodhpur. The Rajasthan High Court upheld both the conviction and the life sentence in May 2026.
In January 2023, a court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, also sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment in a separate rape case involving a former woman devotee. That conviction relates to allegations that he repeatedly sexually assaulted the woman while she was associated with his ashram.
He continues to face legal proceedings in multiple cases linked to allegations of sexual offences.