Gujarat High Court Extends Bail for Asaram on Medical Grounds

The Gujarat High Court on Thursday extended the bail of Asaram Bapu, a self-proclaimed godman, in a rape case until August 21, due to health concerns. Asaram has been incarcerated since August 2013, following allegations of raping a schoolgirl who came forward with her parents, both devotees, to lodge a complaint.

In January, the Supreme Court had initially granted Asaram interim bail on medical grounds through the end of March 2023, instructing that he must not interfere with the evidence or meet followers. The bench, citing Asaram's health issues and past heart attacks, ordered police escorts to accompany him without disrupting his treatment.

Asaram, serving a life sentence at Jodhpur Central Jail, sought bail from the Supreme Court for further medical treatment. Convicted by a Gandhinagar sessions court under various IPC provisions in the 2013 rape of a disciple, the Gujarat High Court denied the suspension of his sentence during an appeal in August. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)