Gujarat HC grants Asaram Bapu his ‘final’ bail extension-OxBig News Network

The Gujarat High Court extended convicted self-styled godman Asaram Bapu’s temporary medical bail by one month on Thursday while explicitly stating this would be the final extension. The 86-year-old is currently serving a life term for raping a woman disciple from Surat at his Ahmedabad ashram between 2001-2006.

The Division Bench of Justices Ilesh Vora and PM Raval rejected Asaram’s lawyer’s request for a three-month extension, granting only 30 additional days. This follows the court’s previous interim extension from June 30 to July 7.

Asaram had originally been granted three months’ bail in March. The controversial spiritual leader was convicted in January 2023 under multiple IPC sections including 376(2)(C) for rape, 377 for unnatural offenses, and 354 for assault with intent to outrage modesty. He is simultaneously serving a separate life sentence for the 2013 rape of a minor at his Rajasthan ashram.

The current bail extension stems from the Supreme Court’s March directive permitting temporary medical release, with instructions to seek any further extensions from the Gujarat High Court.