SC grants interim bail to Asaram Bapu till Mar 31 on medical grounds
This story was originally published at 16:24 IST on 7 January 2025
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NEW DELHI – The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to self-styled godman Ashumal Sirumalani Harpalani, popularly known as Asaram Bapu, on medical grounds till Mar. 31 for him to undergo necessary treatment. He is serving a life sentence in a rape case.
The Supreme Court said it had granted interim bail to Bapu for a limited period of time on medical grounds and not on "merits" of the case. The apex court said Bapu should not meet his followers upon release from the jail.
In 2023, a sessions court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, had found Bapu guilty of raping his female disciple multiple times at his ashram and after conviction sentenced him to life imprisonment. Bapu's appeal against the order is still pending before the Gujarat High Court. Meanwhile, Bapu moved the high court for his interim release from jail.
In August, the high court had refused relief to Bapu and held that there was no exceptional ground made to allow his interim release while his appeal against conviction was still pending. Consequently, Bapu moved the apex court for his release from jail.
Bapu's counsel said the medical condition of the petitioner warrants consideration of the Supreme Court for directing his release on interim bail for medical care. Bapu is over 84 years old and has a history of heart attacks, the petitioner's counsel said.
However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Gujarat government, opposed the interim bail. Mehta emphasised the gravity of Bapu's conviction and said that adequate medical facilities were available to him. End
Reported by Surya Tripathi
Edited by Ashish Shirke
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