LegalUpdate – Supreme Court Reviews AIIMS Findings on Asaram’s Medical Bail Plea
LegalUpdate – The Supreme Court on Tuesday considered a medical evaluation submitted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) concerning self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu, who has sought interim bail on health grounds. The report concluded that while he is suffering from several serious medical conditions, his present health status does not require hospital admission. However, doctors recommended continuous assistance from trained caregivers to manage his daily medical needs.
Supreme Court Examines AIIMS Medical Assessment
A Bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale reviewed the findings presented by the AIIMS medical board during the hearing. While noting that the report ruled out the need for hospitalisation, the Bench observed that it also highlighted the necessity for round-the-clock care by qualified medical attendants. After briefly examining the report, the court decided to continue hearing the matter on Thursday.
The hearing was postponed after the court was informed that Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Rajasthan government, was unavailable to appear before the Bench.
Medical Board Lists Multiple Health Conditions
According to the AIIMS medical report, Asaram is currently dealing with several chronic health issues. These include coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, chronic hyponatremia, thalassemia, and recurring gastrointestinal complications associated with blood loss.
Despite these ailments, the expert medical panel concluded that his condition can be managed without hospitalisation, provided he receives constant support from trained caregivers and continues appropriate medical treatment.
Court Had Ordered Independent Medical Examination
The medical report was prepared following a Supreme Court direction issued on July 21. At that time, the court instructed the Director of AIIMS to establish a multidisciplinary team of specialists to conduct a detailed examination of Asaram’s health.
The Bench had directed the experts to determine whether his medical condition required admission to a hospital or whether treatment through regular medication and supervised care would be sufficient. The report was to be submitted within one week for the court’s consideration.
Interim Bail Dependent on Medical Opinion
During the earlier proceedings, the Supreme Court made it clear that it would not decide the request for interim bail without receiving an independent assessment from AIIMS. The court considered such an evaluation essential before examining whether medical grounds justified temporary release.
Senior advocates Dama Seshadri Naidu and Devadatt Kamat, appearing for Asaram, had requested that a specialised AIIMS medical team assess his condition to provide an impartial opinion before the court.
Rajasthan Government Opposes the Bail Request
The Rajasthan government has strongly opposed the plea seeking interim bail. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the claims regarding Asaram’s medical condition should be viewed with caution.
The state referred to his recent visits to Ayodhya and the Kashi Vishwanath temple, contending that such travel appeared inconsistent with assertions of severe health problems requiring interim release.
Background of the Criminal Case
On June 30, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Rajasthan government after Asaram challenged the Rajasthan High Court judgment that upheld his conviction and life imprisonment in the 2013 rape case involving a minor. However, the court declined to grant interim relief at that stage.
The appeal challenges the High Court’s May 27 decision affirming the sentence imposed by the Special POCSO Court. After the High Court judgment, Asaram, who had been released earlier on interim medical bail, surrendered before Jodhpur Central Jail on May 28 following a medical examination.
The case relates to allegations that a minor student from Asaram’s Chhindwara Gurukul was sexually assaulted inside his cottage at the Manai Ashram on the night of August 15, 2013. The Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur convicted him on April 25, 2018, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He is also serving another life sentence in a separate sexual assault case involving a woman disciple at his Gandhinagar ashram in Gujarat.