SC denies Asaram bail, allows 24 x 7 caretaker
The Supreme Court on Thursday denied interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving life sentence in a 2013 case of sexually assaulting a minor, on medical grounds but allowed him to engage a caretaker of his choice for assistance inside jail and to approach the court in the event his condition deteriorates
On Thursday, the Supreme Court declined to grant interim bail to self-proclaimed spiritual leader Asaram, who is currently serving a life sentence for sexually assaulting a minor in 2013. However, the court permitted him to have a caretaker of his choice present at all times inside the prison and to consult the court if his condition worsens.
A two-judge bench consisting of MM Sundresh and PB Varale made this decision after reviewing a report from the medical board at AIIMS. The panel acknowledged that the 86-year-old Asaram, suffering from multiple health issues including coronary artery disease and thalassemia, would need continuous monitoring. "We have taken note of the letter received from AIIMS dated July 31, 2026.
The petitioner will have liberty to have assistance of a trained caretaker of his choice on a round-the-clock basis," the bench stated. Asaram's legal representative, arguing for bail, highlighted the petitioner's declining health, but the court deferred the matter, allowing him to reapply if his condition worsened. The Solicitor General, representing the Rajasthan government, contested the bail request, pointing out that Asaram had previously obtained a 20-day parole from the Rajasthan High Court, which he had not disclosed to the Supreme Court.
His lawyer clarified that the parole was granted due to his prolonged incarceration and age, not medical reasons. The court criticized this practice, deeming the decision based on the AIIMS report rather than the merits of the case. The Rajasthan High Court had previously affirmed Asaram's conviction and life sentence in a 2013 rape case involving a minor.
On June 30, the Supreme Court requested the Rajasthan government's response to Asaram's appeal against the high court's decision.
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