The Supreme Court was informed on Tuesday that self-styled preacher Asaram, who is serving a life sentence following his conviction in a rape case, does not immediately require hospital admission. According to a comprehensive medical report submitted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), the convict is managing several medical issues that necessitate constant attention rather than inpatient care. The medical board clarified that while hospital confinement is currently unnecessary, the 80-plus convict requires round-the-clock assistance from trained caregivers to monitor his condition.
Comprehensive Medical Findings Submitted by AIIMS
The panel from AIIMS detailed a range of chronic health problems affecting Asaram in its report to the top court. The clinical evaluation highlighted that he suffers from coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, chronic hyponatremia (persistently low blood sodium levels), and thalassemia. Additionally, the medical assessment noted that Asaram experiences frequent gastrointestinal complications along with recurrent anemia, requiring regular monitoring and specialized personal care routines.
Legal Proceedings and Stay Request Hearing Deferred
A Supreme Court bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice P.B. Varale was scheduled to consider Asaram's petition challenging his conviction and life sentence. The self-styled godman has approached the apex court against a decision of the Rajasthan High Court, which upheld his conviction and life imprisonment while rejecting his request for a suspension of sentence. During Tuesday's proceedings, the findings of the AIIMS medical board were placed before the bench. However, the hearing could not proceed fully due to the non-availability of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta. Consequently, the division bench adjourned the matter and scheduled the next hearing for Thursday.
