In a big update from Ahmedabad, the Gujarat High Court has given self-styled godman Asaram Bapu a six-month break from jail. This interim bail comes on medical grounds in his 2013 rape conviction case. At 84 years old, Asaram has been behind bars for over 12 years, serving life sentences in two rape cases. The court’s move on November 6, 2025, follows a similar relief from the Rajasthan High Court just days earlier. But it’s not without fight—the victim’s lawyers say his health isn’t that bad.
This news has stirred up old wounds. Asaram, once a popular spiritual leader with ashrams across India, was brought down by serious charges. Now, his frail health is at the center of the debate. Is this a fair chance for treatment, or does it let a convict slip through? Let’s break down the full story, from the dark start to today’s ruling, with voices from all sides.
The Roots of the Storm: How Asaram’s Downfall Began
It all goes back to 2013, a year that shattered Asaram’s empire. Born Asumal Sirumalani in 1941, he built a following of millions through his ashrams, schools, and talks on simple living. By the 2000s, his group had over 400 centers in India and abroad. But cracks showed when serious complaints came in.
In August 2013, a 16-year-old girl from Uttar Pradesh accused Asaram of raping her at his Jodhpur ashram. She said he called her there to “settle a dispute” with neighbors, then assaulted her. Her family faced threats, but they went to police anyway. Days later, another woman from Surat filed a case in Gujarat, saying Asaram raped her multiple times between 2012 and 2013 at his Motera ashram near Ahmedabad. She was a former disciple who had joined as a teenager.
These weren’t small claims. The Jodhpur case fell under the POCSO Act for child sexual abuse. The Gujarat one involved IPC sections for rape and criminal intimidation. Asaram was arrested in September 2013 from his Indore ashram. His son, Narayan Sai, faced similar charges in a separate case.
Trials dragged on for years amid drama—witnesses turned hostile, some got threats, and Asaram’s followers protested. In April 2018, a Jodhpur court found him guilty in the minor’s rape and gave life imprisonment plus a Rs 50 lakh fine for the victim. In January 2023, a Gandhinagar court did the same for the Surat woman’s case, adding life term and Rs 50,000 fine.
Asaram has appealed both in high courts, but they’re pending. He’s been in Jodhpur Central Jail since 2013, becoming one of India’s longest-held high-profile convicts. His ashrams, once buzzing, now run quietly under trustees.
“This case shook faith in gurus,” says Meena Sharma, a women’s rights activist from Delhi who followed the trials. “Victims showed courage against a man seen as god-like. Justice came, but appeals keep it alive.”
A Pattern of Pleas: Asaram’s Long Fight for Bail
Jail life hasn’t been easy for Asaram, and health became his main ticket out. Over 12 years, he’s filed dozens of bail pleas, most denied over the crime’s gravity. But medical grounds changed that in 2025.
It started with the Supreme Court on January 7, 2025. A bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal gave interim bail till March 31 in the Gujarat case. They focused on his age and ailments—ischemic heart disease, high blood pressure, thyroid issues, anemia, and stomach bleeding. “Humanity demands care,” the order noted, but barred him from meeting followers or tampering evidence. Three cops had to escort him.
Asaram didn’t use the full time right away but later sought extensions. Gujarat High Court stepped in on March 28, adding three months till June 30. A split bench—Justices I.J. Vora and S.V. Bhatt—debated it. Justice Vora agreed on health needs; Justice Bhatt dissented, saying Asaram saw doctors once but skipped follow-ups. A third judge tipped it for bail.
Extensions followed: Till July 7, then August 21. But in the Rajasthan case, things got bumpy. Jodhpur High Court gave interim bail on January 14 till March 31, matching SC. It extended to July 1, then August 12. On July 9, Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vinit Kumar Mathur warned “no more extensions.”
That warning held. On August 27, the same bench rejected another plea. A medical board from Ahmedabad Government Hospital said Asaram was “stable” and didn’t need hospital stay. His lawyer argued recent AIIMS Jodhpur visit showed worsening, but the court disagreed. Asaram surrendered on August 30.
Back in Gujarat, he pushed again. On October 29, Rajasthan HC surprisingly granted six months in the Jodhpur case, citing fresh health reports. This set the stage for the latest move.
Senior advocate Devadatt Kamat, Asaram’s lawyer, called these “lifelines.” “At 84, jail care falls short. Courts see that,” he said after the SC order.
The Latest Hearing: Gujarat HC Weighs In on Health Claims
Thursday, November 6, 2025, was crunch time at Gujarat High Court. Justice Biren Vaishnav heard Asaram’s plea for six-month interim bail in the 2013 rape case. His team pointed to the fresh Rajasthan order: “Jodhpur saw the medical need; Gujarat can’t differ.”
The bench agreed. “We align with the precedent,” the order read. Bail granted for six months, but only for treatment—no change to conviction. If Rajasthan challenges its own order, Gujarat can too. Asaram must report progress and follow rules like no religious talks or crowds.
Government lawyers suggested a fix: Shift to Sabarmati Central Jail in Ahmedabad if Jodhpur’s facilities lack. “Better doctors, security intact,” they said. Sabarmati has handled big cases before, with on-site staff and specialist links.
But the victim’s counsel, senior advocate B.B. Naik, fought hard. “He’s traveled to Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Indore on past bails without long hospital stays,” Naik argued. “He’s on Ayurvedic treatment in jail and stable. This isn’t emergency.” He questioned certificates, saying they don’t show critical risk.
The court noted these points but stuck to humanitarian side. Asaram’s side thanked the “compassionate view.” He can now seek care outside, likely in Gujarat or Delhi, under watch.
This ruling fits a trend. Courts balance Article 21’s right to health with justice. But critics ask: Does repeated bail mock victims?
Health at Stake: What’s Wrong with Asaram?
Asaram’s age shows. Diagnosed at AIIMS in 2024, he has heart blockages needing stents, high BP risking strokes, low thyroid, anemia from gut bleeds, and prostate issues. He’s had two heart attacks; recent reports say breathing trouble too.
Jail doctors say basic care is there—medicines, check-ups. But his team claims specialized tests, like angiograms, need outside hospitals. In September 2025, he went to Delhi for checks.
Dr. R.K. Singh, a retired AIIMS cardiologist not linked to the case, explains simply: “At 84, small issues snowball in prison stress. But stable means no immediate danger—courts decide based on reports.”
Past bails saw him visit clinics but no major surgeries. This time, the six months gives space for that.
Voices from the Fight: What People Are Saying
Reactions pour in. Asaram’s lawyer Kamat: “This saves a life. Courts honor dignity even for convicts.”
Victim’s side isn’t buying. Naik: “Health pleas delay true justice. Victims wait 12 years; he gets holidays?” The Surat survivor, anonymous for safety, told media in 2023: “He took my trust. Bail reopens scars.”
Activists weigh in. Kirti Ahuja, a lawyer from ‘Fight for Your Right,’ tweeted post-ruling: “Medical bail is right, but strict watch needed. No more threats to witnesses.” Ranjana Kumari, women’s rights expert: “POCSO demands zero tolerance. Health can’t erase crimes.”
CM Bhupendra Patel’s office stayed neutral: “Law takes its course; security first.” Followers quietly celebrated online, but courts banned gatherings.
From 2013: Narendra Modi, then Gujarat BJP chief, once praised Asaram at Motera: “His words have yogic strength.” Today, no comment from him.
These quotes show the divide—mercy vs. accountability.
What Lies Ahead: Appeals, Conditions, and Bigger Questions
Asaram’s out for now, but strings attached. No sermons, no ashram visits, police shadow. In six months, back to court for review. Appeals in both high courts drag; Supreme Court may step in if states clash.
For victims, it’s tough. Security ramps up; one family got CRPF cover post-2018 verdict. Groups like Majlis push for faster appeals.
This case spotlights gaps. Prisons lack top care for elders; POCSO trials need speed. A 2025 Law Commission note urges “health boards” for such pleas to avoid repeats.
Asaram’s saga isn’t over. Will health win, or justice? Families watch, hoping closure comes soon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Asaram Bapu’s Latest Bail
1. Why did the Gujarat High Court give Asaram Bapu interim bail now?
The court looked at his poor health—like heart problems and old age—and matched it to the Rajasthan High Court’s October 29, 2025, order. Justice Biren Vaishnav said they couldn’t go against that precedent. It’s only for medical treatment, not to cancel his conviction. Sources like Hindustan Times confirm the bench focused on “humanitarian grounds” without touching the rape charges.
2. What health problems does Asaram Bapu have that led to this bail?
At 84, he suffers from ischemic heart disease (blocked arteries), hypertension (high BP), hypothyroidism (thyroid disorder), anemia (low blood), and gastrointestinal bleeding (stomach issues). Reports from AIIMS Jodhpur and Ahmedabad boards note he’s stable but needs specialist care not fully available in Jodhpur jail. Past bails, like SC’s January 2025 grant, cited two heart attacks and breathing woes. His lawyers say prison stress worsens it, per LiveLaw reports.
3. What did the government say during the November 6 hearing?
Gujarat officials offered to move Asaram to Sabarmati Jail in Ahmedabad for better medical setup—doctors on site, links to specialists, and tight security. They stressed treatment must not skip jail rules. If Jodhpur can’t handle it, transfer ensures care without full release risks, as noted in India TV coverage.
4. Why are the victim’s lawyers against this bail?
They argue Asaram’s health isn’t critical. On past bails (like till August 2025), he traveled cities without long hospital stays and stuck to Ayurvedic treatment in jail. Counsel B.B. Naik said certificates don’t show emergency, and release could tamper justice. The Hindu’s August 2025 report on his surrender backs this—medical board called him “stable.”
5. What’s the full timeline of Asaram’s bails in 2025?
- Jan 7: Supreme Court gives interim bail till March 31 in Gujarat case.
- Jan 14: Rajasthan HC matches it for Jodhpur case.
- March 28: Gujarat extends 3 months to June 30.
- April-July: More extensions to July 1, then August 12.
- Aug 27: Rajasthan rejects further; surrenders Aug 30.
- Oct 29: Rajasthan grants 6 months anew.
- Nov 6: Gujarat follows with 6 months. (Compiled from The Logical Indian and SCC Online.)
6. What rules does Asaram have to follow on this bail?
Strict ones: No religious talks, gatherings, or meeting followers. Three police must escort him; he pays their costs outside Jodhpur. Report health updates to court; no evidence tampering. If states appeal, it could end early. Indian Express details these from the order.
7. How do Asaram’s two rape convictions connect to these bails?
Jodhpur (2018): Life for POCSO rape of minor. Gujarat (2023): Life for adult disciple rape under IPC. Bails are separate but health pleas overlap. Courts handle cross-state via coordination; SC may unify if needed. Wikipedia timeline verifies convictions.
8. Will this bail lead to permanent freedom for Asaram?
Unlikely soon. It’s interim—six months for treatment only. Appeals pending; past ones denied full suspension. If health improves, back to jail. Activists fear delays, but law says merits decide, per 2025 Law Commission notes. Stay tuned for reviews.