SC asks Rajasthan to check Asaram’s health reports after interim bail plea on medical grounds

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Rajasthan government to examine the health reports of religious leader Asumal Harpalani, also known as Asaram Bapu, to determine whether his condition warrants his release on interim bail on medical grounds, Bar and Bench reported.

The hearing took place after Asaram’s counsel informed the court that the religious leader had developed “acute internal bleeding”.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the state government, informed the court that Asaram was fit and had visited Ayodhya and Varanasi some months ago, while on parole.

However, Mehta said he would seek further instructions from the authorities, the legal news outlet reported.

The bench asked the government to respond by Tuesday.

On June 30, the Supreme Court rejected Asaram’s bail plea, saying that it would consider granting it only if there was a grave medical necessity, “such as danger to life”.

The court was hearing a plea by Asaram challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s decision to uphold his conviction for raping a minor in 2013. He has also sought interim bail while his appeal is pending.

In April 2018, a sessions court in Jodhpur sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment for raping the minor at his ashram in 2013. He had been convicted under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and the Juvenile...

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