The Supreme Court on Thursday declined to grant interim bail, for the time being, to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in connection with the 2013 minor rape case. However, the apex court allowed the 85-year-old to appoint a trained caretaker of his choice to provide round-the-clock medical assistance while his plea for interim bail on health grounds remains under consideration. A bench comprising Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale kept Asaram's application pending and granted him the liberty to seek an urgent hearing if his medical condition deteriorates.

The court's decision came after considering submissions on his health status and the findings of a medical board constituted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). The bench refrained from granting immediate relief but ensured that Asaram would have access to continuous medical care through a qualified caregiver. During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Rajasthan government, argued that Asaram had failed to disclose that his legal team had also filed an application seeking parole. According to Mehta, this amounted to suppression of a material fact before the court.

In response, counsel representing Asaram clarified that the parole application had been filed much earlier and was unrelated to the present plea for interim bail, which was based solely on medical grounds. The defence maintained that the two applications were distinct and should not be viewed as overlapping requests for relief. The Supreme Court had earlier directed AIIMS to constitute a medical board to examine Asaram's health after concerns were raised regarding his medical condition. The board subsequently informed the court that while Asaram did not require hospitalisation, he needed continuous medical supervision and assistance.

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Based on this assessment, the court decided against granting interim bail at this stage but permitted the appointment of a trained caretaker to ensure his healthcare needs are met while he remains in custody. Earlier this month, the Rajasthan High Court had granted Asaram a 20-day parole after observing that the state government had not adequately justified its decision to reject his parole application. While granting the temporary relief, the High Court took into account the period of incarceration already undergone by Asaram, along with his conduct during previous spells of interim release. The court found these factors relevant in allowing him temporary parole, separate from the ongoing proceedings before the Supreme Court concerning interim bail.

Asaram, who was convicted in the 2013 rape case involving a minor and sentenced to life imprisonment, has filed multiple applications in recent years seeking temporary release on medical grounds. The Supreme Court's latest order leaves his interim bail plea pending while ensuring continued access to medical care through a trained attendant. The bench also made it clear that Asaram may approach the court for an urgent hearing if his health worsens, indicating that his medical condition will continue to be monitored as the proceedings move forward.

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