The Gujarat High Court on Friday delivered a split verdict on the temporary bail plea of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence in a 2013 rape case.
The case was heard by a Division Bench comprising Justice Ilesh J Vora and Justice Sandeep N Bhatt. While Justice Vora was in favor of extending Asaram’s bail for three months, Justice Bhatt dissented. As a result, the matter will now be placed before Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, who will assign it to a third judge for a final decision.
In January 2025, the Supreme Court had granted Asaram interim bail until March 31 on medical grounds. Senior Advocate Shalin Mehta, representing Asaram, argued that the Apex Court’s decision was purely humanitarian, allowing him to undergo critical medical treatment, including a 90-day Panchkarma therapy. He cited medical reports indicating Asaram’s deteriorating health and high-risk status due to coronary artery disease.
However, the State’s counsel, Advocate Hardik Dave, countered that the government was not indifferent to Asaram’s health but noted that he had failed to follow up on prescribed medical visits, indicating no urgent need for bail.
Senior Advocate BB Naik, appearing for the complainant, opposed the bail request, asserting that Asaram’s condition did not necessitate his release. He pointed to medical records that suggested his blood pressure remained stable.
Asaram was convicted in January 2023 by a Rajasthan Sessions Court for repeatedly raping a female disciple at his Ahmedabad ashram. He was sentenced to life imprisonment under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, unnatural offenses, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation.
A previous plea for the suspension of his sentence was rejected by the Gujarat High Court in August 2024. The case now awaits further deliberation before a third judge.
