Jodhpur News: Significant news has emerged for the supporters and legal team of Asaram Bapu, who is serving life imprisonment in Jodhpur Central Jail in the highly publicized sexual assault case in Rajasthan. The Rajasthan High Court has granted him 20-day parole, taking into account Asaram’s deteriorating health and his health. This decision was made by a division bench of the High Court after a lengthy hearing on the petition. Following this court order, Asaram will now be allowed to remain out of jail for a specified period of time for treatment. However, the court has clarified that this parole has been granted solely on medical grounds and can only be used for treatment purposes.
Asaram has been in jail continuously since his arrest in 2013 on charges of sexually assaulting a minor and being sentenced to life imprisonment by a POCSO court in 2018. Over the past few months, he has been repeatedly admitted to AIIMS Hospital in Jodhpur due to heart disease, breathing problems, and several serious ailments related to old age.
Historic decision of the High Court and the main reason for parole
On behalf of Asaram, his legal advisors and senior advocates filed a petition in the Rajasthan High Court, arguing that Asaram, who is over 80 years old, suffers from several serious illnesses. His arterial blockages, chest pain, and other chronic conditions pose a threat to his life. The petition stated that he wishes to undergo treatment at an Ayurvedic or specialized medical center of his choice, for which he should be granted interim relief or parole.
On the other hand, the state government and the prosecution strongly opposed parole, arguing that Asaram had been convicted in a serious and sensitive case. The possibility of a law and order situation deteriorating and a large crowd of his supporters gathering if he was released from prison could not be ruled out. After hearing arguments from both sides, reviewing the detailed medical board report, and prioritizing the right to health care under human rights, the High Court granted him temporary parole for 20 days.
Strict conditions and strict security measures imposed by the court
The Rajasthan High Court, while granting parole, clearly ordered that this relief is solely for medical treatment, without any restrictions. The court issued several strict instructions to the police and prison administration to ensure that peace and order is maintained during this period and that no disorderly conduct occurs.
Tight police security: Asaram will be under strict surveillance by the Rajasthan Police and local security forces at all times during his parole. He will be accompanied by an armed police squad.
Complete ban on public gatherings: During the parole period, Asaram will not be able to organise any kind of public gathering, religious discourse, or public event.
Visits from devotees and supporters prohibited: The court clarified that no gathering of supporters will be permitted at his ashram or hospital during his treatment. Only authorized family members and a team of doctors will be permitted to meet him.
Bearing of security expenses: A major portion of the expenses incurred in deployment and transportation of security forces will be borne by the petitioner himself as per the rules.
Physical Confinement: Their movements will be restricted to the hospital or location where they are receiving treatment. They must surrender back to Jodhpur Central Jail upon completion of their treatment or upon the expiration of the 20-day period.
Background of the case: The entire chronology from 2013 till the conviction
The entire case began in August 2013, when a minor student from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, alleged that Asaram had sexually assaulted her at the Manai Ashram near Jodhpur. The victim was studying in the hostel of Asaram’s Chhindwara ashram at the time and was brought to Jodhpur under the pretext of medical treatment.
Upon receiving information about the incident, a zero FIR was registered at Delhi’s Kamla Market police station, which was later transferred to Jodhpur for investigation. A Jodhpur police team detained Asaram from his ashram in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, on the intervening night of August 31 and September 1, 2013, and arrested him and brought him to Jodhpur. He has remained continuously incarcerated in Jodhpur Central Jail ever since.
Based on a lengthy legal process, statements from dozens of witnesses, and scientific evidence, the Jodhpur Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court delivered a historic verdict on April 25, 2018. The court convicted Asaram under various sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and sentenced him to life imprisonment. Two of his associates were also sentenced to varying terms in the case.
Security agencies on high alert in Jodhpur and surrounding areas
Immediately following the High Court’s decision, the Jodhpur Police Commissionerate and the local administration were on high alert. In the past, whenever Asaram was sentenced or taken to the hospital, thousands of his supporters from across the country would gather on the streets of Jodhpur. Keeping this experience in mind, the police administration has prepared an advance security plan.
The Jodhpur Police Commissioner has issued clear instructions that Section 144 or relevant security regulations will remain in effect around the jail premises, AIIMS hospital, and potential treatment centers. Additional police forces have been deployed at major entry points to the city, railway stations, and bus stands to check suspicious groups or supporters arriving from outside. The cyber cell is also closely monitoring social media to prevent the spread of rumors or misleading information.
A time-bound plan for the legal path forward and the medical procedure
With the start of this 20-day parole, Asaram’s legal team and medical experts are formulating a plan for his further treatment. According to reports, he may be moved to a renowned Ayurvedic medical institution or super-specialty hospital, where Panchakarma and other natural treatments for heart and joint pain will be provided.
Legal experts believe that if his health doesn’t improve as expected during this 20-day period or a serious medical emergency arises, his legal team could file a fresh petition before the High Court to extend his parole. However, this will depend entirely on the doctors’ report and the court’s discretion. At present, upon the expiry of the 20-day period, he will be required to return to the barracks of Jodhpur Central Jail, still in police custody.