Rajasthan HC grants Asaram 20-day parole, says state failed to justify rejection

Rajasthan High Court has granted former self-styled spiritual leader Asaram a 20-day regular parole, ruling that the state government failed to provide sufficient justification for rejecting his request. Asaram, currently serving a life sentence in Jodhpur Central Jail for the rape of a minor, will be released for 20 days after furnishing a personal bond of ₹50,000 and two sureties of ₹25,000 each. The order was issued by a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit on Monday. Asaram, who was convicted in a 2013 case of raping a minor girl at his ashram near Jodhpur, has spent more than 13 years in prison. The court noted that he had previously received interim bail multiple times without any violations of bail conditions. There is no record of him attempting to abscond, influencing witnesses, or causing any disturbance during these periods. His consistent behavior and long incarceration have been cited as factors supporting his parole. The state government had opposed Asaram's parole application, arguing that he could potentially flee if released. Officials also raised concerns about pending criminal cases in other states and his prior conviction in Gujarat. They claimed that Asaram was receiving medical treatment and had not been declared fit for parole. Additionally, they warned that his release could endanger the safety of the victim's family. However, the High Court dismissed these arguments, stating that the state's concerns were speculative and lacked evidentiary support. The court emphasized that Asaram's parole should be evaluated under the Rajasthan Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. It ruled that pending cases or convictions in other jurisdictions cannot serve as valid grounds for denying parole in this instance. Earlier this month, the High Court upheld Asaram's conviction and life sentence in the 2013 rape case. In January 2023, a court in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, also sentenced him to life imprisonment in another rape case involving a former female devotee. These convictions have contributed to the ongoing legal battles surrounding his case. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court is considering Asaram's plea for interim bail on medical grounds. During a recent hearing, it was revealed that an AIIMS medical panel concluded that Asaram does not require hospitalization but requires continuous medical care. A bench consisting of Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale has scheduled a further hearing on August 6 to review the matter. Asaram's case has drawn significant attention due to his status as a prominent religious figure and the severity of the charges against him. His legal team has consistently argued that his prolonged detention is unjustified given his good conduct and the lack of credible threats posed by his release. The court's decision to grant him parole reflects a balancing act between legal principles and the broader implications of such a high-profile case.