Supreme Court Keeps Asaram Bapu's Interim Bail Plea Pending, Allows Fresh Application If Health Worsens

The Supreme Court has declined to grant interim bail on medical grounds to Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence in a minor rape case. Keeping the plea pending, the apex court stated he may reapply if his health deteriorates.

The Supreme Court of India has declined to grant immediate relief on the medical interim bail plea of Asaram Bapu, who is currently serving a sentence of life imprisonment in Jodhpur jail after being convicted in a 2013 sexual assault case involving a minor girl. A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice MM Sundresh and Justice PB Varale heard the petition seeking temporary release on health grounds. While refusing to pass an interim bail order at this point, the bench kept the application pending on its records. The court clarified that the petitioner retains the liberty to move a fresh plea for interim bail if his medical condition deteriorates in the future.

Rajasthan Government Accuses Defense of Concealing Information
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing on behalf of the Rajasthan government, raised serious objections regarding the petitioner's conduct. He alleged before the bench that Asaram had concealed the fact of his pending interim bail petition in the Supreme Court while applying for a 20-day parole before the Rajasthan High Court. The legal team representing the state government informed the court that Asaram has currently been granted a 20-day parole by the High Court. Furthermore, counsel for the state argued that the convict is receiving all required medical facilities, making interim bail unnecessary.

AIIMS Evaluation Recommends 24-Hour Medical Supervision
The refusal to grant immediate interim bail comes after the Supreme Court previously sought a comprehensive medical evaluation of Asaram's health. On July 21, the apex court directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences to form a medical board to assess his condition. During proceedings on Tuesday, the bench was formally apprised of the medical board's findings. The report submitted by AIIMS concluded that hospital admission is not required for Asaram at this stage. However, the doctors noted that his overall condition requires continuous 24-hour medical supervision and monitoring. Defense counsel representing Asaram urged the court that the medical report must be evaluated holistically rather than focusing on selective parts.

Legal Timeline and Background of the Case
The matter pertains to a 2013 case in which Asaram was convicted of raping a minor girl. On May 27, the Rajasthan High Court upheld his conviction and the sentence of life imprisonment awarded to him in the 2013 minor rape case. Asaram subsequently appealed to the Supreme Court against the High Court order. On June 30, the Supreme Court sought a response from the Rajasthan government on his petition challenging his conviction. While that main appeal against conviction proceeds, the current interim bail plea remains pending before the court.

What this means for you
This court ruling impacts the public in the following ways:

• Across India: The decision highlights the judiciary's strict stance on medical bail pleas by high-profile convicts in serious criminal cases.
• In Rajasthan: State law enforcement agencies will maintain heightened vigil and monitoring during the 20-day parole granted by the High Court.

Questions & Answers

1. What decision did the Supreme Court take on Asaram Bapu's interim bail plea?
The Supreme Court currently declined to grant interim bail on medical grounds and kept the petition pending.

2. Can Asaram Bapu apply for interim bail again in the future?
Yes, the Supreme Court clarified that he can reapply if his health condition deteriorates.

3. What did the AIIMS medical report state regarding Asaram's health?
The AIIMS report stated that hospital admission is not required, but 24-hour medical care is needed.

4. What allegation did the Rajasthan government make in the Supreme Court?
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta alleged that Asaram suppressed the fact of his pending Supreme Court interim bail plea while seeking 20 days parole from the High Court.

5. In which case is Asaram Bapu serving a sentence?
He is serving a life sentence in connection with a 2013 minor rape case registered in Jodhpur.

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