08-08-2025
Gujarat HC extends Asaram's interim medical bail till August 21
The Gujarat High Court on Thursday extended religious leader Asaram's temporary medical bail till August 21 after noting that he was in a critical condition.
This was the third extension granted to the religious leader during his interim medical bail, Bar and Bench reported.
A bench of Justices Ilesh J Vora and PM Raval on Thursday noted that the applicant was in an intensive care unit at a hospital in Indore and had a very high troponin level. It quoted doctors as saying that 'his condition is critical'.
Asaram is serving a life sentence for raping a woman disciple at his Ahmedabad ashram between 2001 and 2006. He was convicted in January 2023 under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including rape, unnatural offences and assault with intent to outrage modesty.
He is also serving a separate life term for raping a 16-year-old girl at his Rajasthan ashram.
In January, the Supreme Court had granted interim bail to Asaram on medical grounds till March 31. Towards the end of his bail period, he approached the High Court, which delivered a split verdict on extending his bail. The case was referred to a third judge, who granted him three months' temporary bail till July 7.
On July 3, the High Court had extended the religious leader's interim bail by 30 days but stated that this would be the final extension. However, Asaram moved the Supreme Court, which permitted him to re-apply to the High Court.
