Jodhpur: In a major development, the Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of self-styled godman Asaram, offering him further relief after nearly 12 years in jail. This extension, granted until August 12, allows him to remain out of prison during the upcoming Guru Purnima festivities.

The Division Bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Mathur deliberated on Asaram's petition for a medical bail extension before granting the relief. This latest decision comes swiftly after the Rajasthan High Court had previously granted him interim bail until July 9, and the Gujarat High Court had also provided 30 days of relief on July 3.

Asaram, 86, is currently serving a life sentence following his 2018 conviction in a 2013 rape case involving a minor. He is presently out of jail on medical grounds. Following the interim bail granted by the Rajasthan High Court on July 1, Asaram had left his Jodhpur ashram and reached his Motera Ashram in Ahmedabad on July 7. Sources had initially suggested his stay there would be brief, until July 9, but with this new extension, his presence in Ahmedabad is now likely to continue for a longer period.

During earlier proceedings in the Gujarat High Court, Asaram’s lawyer had argued that the bail process itself consumed about 10 days, effectively reducing his time outside. The lawyer also mentioned that a crucial certificate from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), confirming Asaram's age and terminal illness, was still awaited. Conversely, the opposing counsel had previously raised concerns about Asaram's frequent movements between hospitals for treatment, arguing that sufficient medical facilities like AIIMS Jodhpur and local Ayurvedic hospitals were available. The prosecution suggested this was an attempt to prolong his release from prison.

Amidst these arguments, the Gujarat High Court had made an oral observation, cautioning that temporary bail extensions must not become an "endless process." Citing a recent Supreme Court directive, the Bench indicated that such patterns should be discouraged and a final decision might be taken in an upcoming hearing, underscoring the courts' intent to prevent indefinite extensions.

Because of these interim bails granted by both the Rajasthan and Gujarat High Courts, Asaram, who has been incarcerated for almost 12 years, will be out of jail for Guru Purnima, which falls on July 10 this year, marking a notable event for his followers.

With inputs from IANS