Asaram Returns to Jail: High Court Denies Bail Extension for Convicted Godman

In a significant development, self-styled godman Asaram surrendered at Jodhpur Central Jail on Tuesday, following the Rajasthan High Court's refusal to extend his interim bail. The decision marks another chapter in the legal saga of the spiritual leader, who is serving a life sentence after being convicted in a 2013 rape case.

Asaram had initially been granted interim bail for 21 days on June 14, specifically to facilitate Ayurvedic treatment for a range of health issues, including prostate gland problems, high blood pressure, and other age-related ailments.

During this period, he was admitted to a private Ayurvedic hospital in Jodhpur, receiving care under court supervision.

However, his plea for an extension of this interim bail was met with strong opposition from Public Prosecutor K.L. Bishnoi, who argued before Justice Manoj Kumar Garg's bench that Asaram's health had shown considerable improvement.

Bishnoi contended that any further necessary treatment could be effectively administered within the confines of the jail, negating the need for an extended release.

The court, after hearing arguments from both sides, ultimately sided with the prosecution, declining to grant the extension. This decision necessitated Asaram's immediate return to judicial custody, where he will continue to serve his life term.

The convicted godman has a history of frequently seeking bail on medical grounds, citing his advanced age and various illnesses.

His legal team has made numerous attempts to secure his release, with many of these pleas, including those filed before the Supreme Court, having been previously rejected. This latest judicial setback underscores the unwavering stance of the courts regarding his conviction and continued incarceration.

Asaram's surrender reaffirms the judiciary's commitment to upholding the law, ensuring that even prominent figures are subject to the same legal scrutiny and consequences.

His return to jail closes, for now, another chapter in a case that has drawn national attention and sparked considerable public discourse.