Gujarat High Court Extends Asaram's Temporary Bail Until July 7

Bail Extension Granted by Gujarat High Court

On Friday, the Gujarat High Court decided to prolong the temporary bail of Asaram, a self-styled godman, until July 7. He is currently serving a life sentence for a rape conviction from 2013.

Request for Additional Time

During the hearing, Justices Ilesh Vora and Sandeep Bhatt approved the extension as Asaram's attorney requested more time to present crucial documents. Asaram, aged 86, was initially granted temporary bail on medical grounds on March 28 for a duration of three months. This bail was set to expire on June 30, but the court has now allowed him to remain free until July 7, with the next hearing scheduled for July 2.

Lawyer's Plea for Document Submission

Asaram's lawyer explained that the process of obtaining permission from the Jodhpur High Court delayed his client's release, which only occurred on April 17. He requested an additional two days to file necessary documents, emphasizing the need for verification before the upcoming Monday surrender.

Court's Rationale for Bail Extension

The court noted that the extension was warranted due to the unique circumstances of the case, particularly the ongoing efforts to secure a certificate from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA). Previously, on March 28, the Gujarat High Court had granted Asaram temporary bail for three months, following a split verdict from two judges regarding his earlier interim bail from the Supreme Court.

Background of the Rape Case

In January 2023, Asaram was sentenced to life imprisonment for a separate rape case involving a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013. In the current case, he was convicted of repeatedly raping a female follower from Surat between 2001 and 2006 while she resided at his ashram in Motera, near Ahmedabad. He faced multiple charges under the Indian Penal Code, including rape, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation.