The Gujarat High Court has rejected an application filed by self-styled godman Asaram Bapu seeking temporary bail for 20 days, taking note of a recent order passed by the Supreme Court granting him liberty to approach the apex court if his health condition deteriorates.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Gita Gopi and Justice L.S. Pirzada dismissed the application after considering the circumstances surrounding his request for temporary release.
Asaram Bapu was convicted by the Sessions Court, Gandhinagar, on January 31, 2023, and sentenced to life imprisonment under Sections 376(2)(c) and 377 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. He was also awarded lesser sentences under Sections 354, 342, 357 and 506(2) of the IPC.
Challenging the conviction, he filed a criminal appeal before the Gujarat High Court, which remains pending for final hearing.
Before the High Court, it was submitted that Asaram was seeking temporary bail primarily because the Rajasthan High Court had granted him parole for 20 days on August 3, 2026. His counsel argued that the benefit of the Rajasthan High Court’s order would effectively become meaningless unless the Gujarat application was considered.
It was further submitted that, following the Rajasthan High Court’s order, an application was made on August 11 to the Inspector General of Police, Prison and Correctional Administration, Gujarat, seeking first furlough leave and an NOC in response to a communication from the Superintendent of Central Jail, Jodhpur. However, the request was rejected.
The High Court noted that the Rajasthan High Court had not been apprised of the Supreme Court’s July 21, 2026 order. It also took note of the Supreme Court’s subsequent order dated August 6, 2026, by which Asaram was granted liberty to approach the apex court if his health condition deteriorated.
In view of the liberty already reserved in his favour by the Supreme Court, the Gujarat High Court found no grounds to entertain the temporary bail application and accordingly rejected it.
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