The Supreme Court on Friday directed the Rajasthan government to examine the latest medical condition of self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu and determine whether his health warrants the grant of interim bail while his appeal against conviction remains pending.
A Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale was hearing Asaram’s appeal challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s decision upholding his conviction in the 2013 rape of a minor devotee in Jodhpur, along with his application seeking interim bail on medical grounds.
Appearing for the Rajasthan government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea, submitting that Asaram’s medical condition did not justify his release. Mehta informed the Court that the convict had travelled to Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath about three months ago and was physically fit.
The Solicitor General, however, assured the Court that the State would obtain fresh medical instructions from the concerned authorities and place its response on record by July 20.
The Court remarked that it would defer to the State’s assessment and deny interim bail if deemed unnecessary. However, it emphasized that if the convict’s health is genuinely critical, the Bench wishes to prevent any lapse or culpability from falling on either the judiciary or the government.
The Court further remarked that if there was a genuine medical emergency, it could consider granting temporary interim bail solely for treatment. The Solicitor General informed the Court that the reported internal bleeding appeared to be linked to a gastrointestinal ailment and was being treated with medication.
Despite the State’s assertions, senior counsel representing Asaram maintained that his client’s health was critical. The lawyer argued that Asaram had recently suffered acute internal bleeding, placing him in a high-risk category and necessitating immediate intervention
The Bench declined to make any assessment of the medical condition on its own and reiterated that it would await the State’s evaluation.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on July 21, by which date the Rajasthan government is expected to file its medical assessment and response to the interim bail application.
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