Convicted godman Asaram, serving a life sentence in a 2013 rape case, has filed a plea before the Gujarat High Court requesting an extension of his temporary bail, which is set to lapse on June 30. The division bench, consisting of Justices Elisha Vora and P M Raval, took up the matter and has issued notices to both the state government and the complainant, with the next hearing scheduled for June 27.
Asaram&rsquo;s counsel argued that the 83-year-old continues to suffer from several medical conditions and is currently undergoing Panchakarma therapy, which is yet to be completed. The legal representative also informed the court that Asaram is awaiting a certification from the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) verifying his status as a severely ill and elderly inmate. The certificate is anticipated within the next two days.
The Supreme Court had earlier granted Asaram interim bail in January, which was valid until March 31. Following its conclusion, he approached the High Court seeking an extension. Initially, two judges heard the matter and issued differing opinions, prompting the involvement of a third judge. The third judge granted an additional three-month temporary bail, which is due to expire at the end of June.
On Tuesday, another bench of the Gujarat High Court, comprising Justices Ilesh Vora and Sandeep Bhatt, issued a notice to the state authorities in response to Asaram's request for extended relief. The bench has instructed the government to submit its reply by June 27.
Asaram, according to recent court filings, was convicted in January 2023 by a Gandhinagar sessions court for raping a woman disciple from Surat on multiple occasions between 2001 and 2006 while she lived at his Motera ashram in Ahmedabad. This conviction is distinct from another life sentence he is already serving in a separate case involving the rape of a minor at his Rajasthan ashram in 2013.
In a related development, Narayan Sai, Asaram&rsquo;s son who is also serving a life term in Surat&rsquo;s Lajpore Jail following his 2019 conviction in a sexual assault case, was granted five days of temporary release by the High Court to visit his ailing father. The complaint against Sai was filed in 2013 at Jahangirpura Police Station and pertained to an incident at the Jahangirpura ashram.
After evading arrest for nearly two months, he was detained and, in April 2019, sentenced by Judge P S Gadhvi to life imprisonment. He was also fined Rs 1 lakh and handed an additional year&rsquo;s sentence in default of payment. Alongside Sai, co-accused Ganga and Jamuna were sentenced to 10 years each, aide Hanuman also received a decade-long term, and driver Ramesh Malhotra was given a six-month sentence.
Sai had requested a week-long visit to meet his father, stating in court that they had not met in 10 years. He volunteered to cover all travel-related expenses for the police escort, except their daily allowances. The court acknowledged his submission but made no ruling on that aspect.
Ultimately, the bench allowed Sai to leave prison for five days&mdash;two for travel between Surat and Jodhpur, and three for his stay with Asaram. The court directed that travel be conducted by road under strict police supervision, involving one sub-inspector and four constables.
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Asaram cites health issues as Gujarat HC sets June 27 for next hearing on bail extension plea.

Asaram Seeks Extension of Interim Bail in Guj HC

Asaram cites health issues as Gujarat HC sets June 27 for next hearing on bail extension plea.

June 25, 2025 | 22:20 IST