New Delhi: The Supreme Court has refused to extend Asaram’s parole, directing the 85-year-old self-styled godman to surrender at Jodhpur Central Jail. His 20-day parole period was due to expire the same day.
Asaram had approached the court seeking an extension on medical grounds, citing his deteriorating health. However, the court declined to grant further relief. His request for permission to meet his ailing wife had also been rejected earlier.
A bench comprising Justices B. Pardiwala and K. Vinod Chandran allowed Asaram’s lawyer to withdraw a bail petition. The bench noted that the Rajasthan High Court had previously granted him parole until October 26 in a rape case involving a minor registered in Jodhpur.
Asaram has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in separate rape cases registered in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and Gandhinagar, Gujarat. Two petitions concerning these cases are pending before the Supreme Court. One relates to interim bail in the Gujarat case, while the other challenges the conviction in the Rajasthan case.
During the hearing, Asaram’s lawyer raised a legal argument concerning Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code. The bench indicated that the appeal would be considered further on legal grounds after he surrendered.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Rajasthan and Gujarat governments, informed the court that Asaram had been convicted in cases in both states.
The Supreme Court has scheduled the next hearing for November 17, after the surrender process, to continue considering the pending legal issues.
