Rajasthan High Court Grants 20-Day Parole to Controversial 'Godman' Asaram Amid Legal Battles
Parole Granted to Asaram
Jodhpur: The Rajasthan High Court has approved a 20-day parole for Asaram, a self-proclaimed 'godman' currently serving a life sentence for the sexual assault of a minor in 2013. The court's decision came after the state government failed to adequately justify its earlier rejection of his parole request.
A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit noted Asaram's age, 85, and his conduct during previous temporary releases. They acknowledged that he has spent over 13 years in prison and had complied with bail conditions in the past.
The court's ruling on August 3 marks Asaram's first regular parole, requiring him to provide a personal bond of Rs 50,000 and two solvent sureties of Rs 25,000 each.
During the proceedings, the state revealed that a committee, chaired by the Jodhpur District Collector, had previously denied Asaram's application. Law enforcement expressed concerns that he might flee if granted parole, citing ongoing criminal cases against him outside Rajasthan and a prior conviction in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
The government argued that Asaram's medical condition had not been cleared for parole by a qualified medical officer and that his release could endanger the victim's family, urging the court to dismiss the parole request.
However, the bench determined that the state's concerns were speculative and lacked substantial evidence.
The court clarified that Asaram's eligibility for parole is governed by the Rajasthan Prisoners Release on Parole Rules, and issues in other states would not justify denying his request.
Earlier this year, on May 27, the Rajasthan High Court upheld Asaram's conviction and life sentence.
On the same day, the state opposed another petition from Asaram seeking a transfer to an Open Air Camp, referencing Rule 3 of the Rajasthan Prisoners Open Air Camp Rules, 1972, which typically excludes certain prisoner categories from such transfers.
The court noted that the applicability of Rule 3(d) is under review by a larger bench, and without making a final judgment on Asaram's request, directed the Additional Advocate General to clarify the rationale behind the 60-year age limit in the rules.
The case is scheduled for further discussion on August 17.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court, addressing Asaram's plea for interim bail on health grounds, was informed by AIIMS experts that he does not require hospitalization but needs continuous medical support. The Supreme Court has set the next hearing for August 6.