Supreme Court: Medical Bail Only If Life in Danger for Asaram
The Supreme Court on Tuesday stated that it would consider medical bail for self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, convicted of raping a minor in 2013, only if his life is in grave danger. The observation came during a hearing before a Vacation Bench led by Justice M.M. Sundresh.
“Usual health issues, we are not going to consider. If medical bail is to be given, it would be only if your life is in danger. That is the only factor we will consider,” the bench remarked, addressing Asaram's counsel.
The court issued notice to the State of Rajasthan, which had opposed the bail plea. Justice Sundresh noted that the case could not be treated like any other criminal matter, pointing to the petitioner's dominant position.
Senior advocate Dama Seshadiri Naidu, representing Asaram, argued that his client is nearly 90 years old and suffers from multiple debilitating disorders. The bench, however, maintained that only a life-threatening condition would warrant medical bail.
The court granted Asaram's legal team the liberty to make an urgent mentioning if his condition deteriorates significantly. It also directed that the existing medical facilities provided to the petitioner be continued.
Rajasthan's counsel, advocate Shraddha Deshmukh, submitted that Asaram had not approached the court with clean hands and had suppressed crucial facts. She noted that his earlier application for interim relief on medical grounds had been rejected. The state also highlighted that the petitioner had placed on record orders from a Gujarat FIR involving adult victims, whereas the current conviction pertains to a minor.
Justice Sundresh clarified that the court was not considering a suspension of sentence. “We are making it very clear. Subject to hearing you, we will consider if there is a grave necessity to grant him medical bail. We have issued notice as it is a case involving a life sentence, we want you to respond. We will be fair,” the judge said.
The court granted four weeks to both the state and the victim's side to file their responses to Asaram's plea.
In May 2026, the Rajasthan High Court upheld Asaram's life sentence for raping a 16-year-old girl in his ashram in 2013. Asaram was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
