The Rajasthan High Court has delivered a major blow to self-styled godman Asaram, refusing to extend his interim bail. This decision came after months of legal proceedings in which Asaram had been out of prison since January 2025. With this ruling, he will now have to surrender and return to Jodhpur Central Jail, where he has been serving his sentence in connection with sexual assault cases.
Rajasthan High Court Refuses Bail Extension
A petition was filed before the Rajasthan High Court by Asaram’s legal team seeking an extension of his interim bail on medical grounds. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Vineet Kumar Mathur.
Earlier, the High Court had granted him interim relief till August 29 and ordered the formation of a special medical board at Ahmedabad Civil Hospital. This board included two senior cardiac specialists and one neurology expert, tasked with evaluating Asaram’s health condition.
After receiving and reviewing the medical report, the court concluded that Asaram’s health was stable and did not warrant a further extension of his bail. Based on this assessment, the High Court dismissed his plea and directed him to surrender back to prison.
Medical Board’s Role in the Decision
The High Court had taken a cautious approach in handling Asaram’s petition by relying on independent medical examination. The three-member board of doctors conducted a detailed evaluation of his cardiac and neurological conditions.
According to the report, there was no immediate risk to his life, and his health condition could be managed with treatment available inside the prison system. This finding weakened Asaram’s claim that he required prolonged bail for medical reasons.
The Court emphasized that prison authorities are equipped with adequate facilities to address medical emergencies and directed that Asaram may seek treatment if any sudden health deterioration occurs.
Government’s Opposition to Bail Extension
The state government, represented by Additional Advocate General Deepak Chaudhary, strongly opposed the plea for an extension of bail. The government argued that the Civil Hospital’s report clearly stated that Asaram’s condition was satisfactory, and hence there was no justification for his continued stay outside prison.
This line of reasoning convinced the bench, which noted that unnecessary prolonging of interim bail would undermine the justice system. The government’s submission ensured that the Court’s decision aligned with the principle of law and accountability.
Asaram’s Argument Based on Gujarat High Court Bail
On behalf of Asaram, his lawyers contended that he had already been granted interim bail by the Gujarat High Court until September 3, 2025. Therefore, they urged the Rajasthan High Court to extend his bail in line with the Gujarat order.
However, the Rajasthan High Court distinguished between the two cases. The judges observed that each High Court decision pertains to its own jurisdiction and specific cases, and a bail order in Gujarat does not automatically entitle him to extended relief in Rajasthan.
Court Grants Liberty for Future Medical Emergencies
While rejecting the bail plea, the Rajasthan High Court clarified that Asaram is not barred from seeking medical help in the future. The court explicitly noted that if his health condition deteriorates, he has the right to apply afresh for medical bail.
This provision ensures that while Asaram must return to prison immediately, he can still access urgent medical care if a genuine emergency arises. The court balanced law enforcement with humanitarian considerations, ensuring that his legal rights remain protected.
Timeline of Interim Bail Proceedings
January 2025 – Asaram was granted interim bail on medical grounds.
August 2025 – Bail extended till August 29 after court-ordered medical evaluation.
August 27, 2025 – High Court refuses further extension after examining the medical board’s report.
September 3, 2025 – Interim bail granted by Gujarat High Court remains valid but only for cases under its jurisdiction.
This timeline reflects the legal back-and-forth surrounding Asaram’s petitions and the judiciary’s reliance on medical evaluations before granting relief.
Return to Jodhpur Central Jail
Following the Rajasthan High Court’s decision, Asaram is expected to surrender before Jodhpur Central Jail authorities. This prison has been his primary place of confinement since his conviction.
Authorities are making arrangements for his safe custody, with provisions for medical supervision within the jail premises. The ruling also sends a clear signal about the judiciary’s stance on repeated bail pleas from convicted prisoners, especially when health conditions do not justify long-term release.
Broader Legal Context of Asaram’s Conviction
Asaram, once a powerful and influential spiritual leader with a massive following across India, has been serving a sentence for serious charges of sexual assault. His conviction in Jodhpur followed years of legal battles and nationwide attention.
Despite multiple attempts, his bail petitions have often been rejected on the grounds of severity of charges and risk of influencing witnesses. The present refusal to extend bail further underscores the judiciary’s intent to ensure that legal accountability remains intact.
Public and Legal Reactions
The High Court’s order has sparked mixed reactions. Victim advocacy groups and rights organizations have welcomed the decision, viewing it as a victory for justice. They argue that allowing continued bail to a convicted person like Asaram would have set a troubling precedent.
On the other hand, his supporters continue to maintain that his health requires compassionate consideration, and they may push for further legal remedies. However, the judiciary’s reliance on medical evidence makes it difficult for such arguments to gain ground.
What Lies Ahead for Asaram
With his return to Jodhpur Central Jail, Asaram’s legal team may explore the option of approaching the Supreme Court for relief. However, given the medical board’s findings, it remains uncertain whether higher courts will intervene.
The order also highlights that the courts will not tolerate misuse of medical grounds for prolonged freedom. For Asaram, the ruling is not just a legal setback but also a symbolic defeat, reinforcing that even influential figures cannot bypass the justice system.
Key Takeaways from the Rajasthan High Court Decision
Medical reports play a decisive role in bail-related judgments.
Interim bail cannot be extended without justified reasons, even if other courts have granted temporary relief.
The judiciary seeks a balance between humanitarian grounds and legal accountability.
Asaram must surrender to Jodhpur Central Jail immediately.
Future medical emergencies can be addressed through fresh bail applications.
Conclusion
The Rajasthan High Court’s refusal to extend interim bail for Asaram marks a turning point in his ongoing legal journey. The decision is a serious setback for the self-styled godman, who has been attempting to secure prolonged freedom on medical grounds. By relying on expert medical reports and ensuring that prison facilities are adequate, the Court reaffirmed its commitment to law, justice, and fairness.
Asaram’s return to Jodhpur Central Jail underscores the judiciary’s firm message: convicted individuals, regardless of influence, must serve their sentences unless compelling humanitarian reasons justify otherwise.
