The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who is currently serving a life sentence in a rape case after being convicted by a Gujarat court.

The bail is effective until March 31.

The order was issued by a bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal, which also imposed a condition for Bapu's release. It stipulated that he should not meet with his followers upon being released from the Jodhpur jail, where he is serving a sentence in another rape case.

Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, representing Asaram Bapu, along with Advocates Rajesh Gulab Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, emphasized both the merits of the case and Asaram's medical condition during the hearing.

It was argued that the conviction relied solely on the testimony of the prosecutrix, lacking corroborative evidence, and highlighted inconsistencies in the prosecution's case. However, the Court chose not to address the merits of the case, focusing instead on the petitioner's health issues, and accordingly disposed of the Special Leave Petition (SLP).

On medical grounds, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat highlighted Asaram's advanced age, a history of heart attacks, and other severe comorbidities, arguing that his continued incarceration could endanger his life. It was urged that the Court grant bail to facilitate his access to urgent medical care outside of jail.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Gujarat, opposed the plea, stressing the seriousness of Asaram's conviction and asserting that adequate medical facilities were available to him while in custody.

After considering the submissions, the Court granted medical bail until March 31, 2025, allowing Asaram to receive the necessary treatment. The bench clarified that the relief was granted purely on humanitarian grounds and directed compliance with the conditions imposed during the bail period. Additionally, the Court indicated that Asaram's medical condition could be reassessed closer to the expiration of the bail term.

On November 22, a bench comprising Justices Sundresh and Aravind Kumar issued notice to the Gujarat Government in a Special Leave Petition filed by Asaram Bapu, seeking suspension of the life sentence imposed by Gujarat's Gandhinagar District Court.

On January 31, 2023, a Sessions Court found Asaram Bapu guilty of repeatedly raping his female disciple at his Ahmedabad-based Ashram. He was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offences), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation), 357 (assault or criminal force in an attempt to wrongfully confine a person), and 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage a woman's modesty).