New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday declined to entertain a petition filed by self-styled godman Asaram that challenged the Gujarat High Court's refusal to grant him interim bail in a 2013 Gandhinagar rape case, where he sought release to visit his ailing wife. The bench allowed his legal counsel to withdraw the request after observing that the 85-year-old was already out on parole concerning a separate rape case in Rajasthan.
Furthermore, the court stated it would proceed with Asaram's appeal against his conviction and life sentence in the Jodhpur case only after he surrenders upon the completion of his parole period. Justices JB Pardiwala and K Vinod Chandran noted that the Rajasthan High Court had granted him parole until October 26 regarding the minor rape case in Jodhpur.
During the proceedings, Asaram's lawyer, Siddharth Dave, informed the bench that his client had suffered a heart attack the previous night and required intensive care admission. The apex court was evaluating two separate petitions: one requesting interim bail in the Gujarat matter and another challenging the Rajasthan High Court decision that upheld his Jodhpur conviction.
Addressing the challenge against the Rajasthan High Court ruling, the bench indicated it would examine the matter on a significant question of law once Asaram surrenders. The justices added that a review of the evidence and case records yielded no initial grounds to question the validity of the conviction unless specific legal lapses could be demonstrated.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing both Rajasthan and Gujarat, outlined Asaram's legal maneuvers and multiple parole applications across states. Mehta argued that Asaram pursued interim relief in Gujarat as a backup strategy while simultaneously securing parole through the Rajasthan judiciary and subsequent contempt proceedings.
The Supreme Court scheduled the next hearing for November 17, directing the registry to compile and distribute the necessary digital and physical trial court records to all involved parties. Asaram is serving life sentences following convictions in separate cases involving attacks on disciples at his ashrams in Jodhpur and Gandhinagar.