SC dismisses Asaram's bail plea, grants permission for ayurvedic treatment in jail

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday rejected a plea by self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who sought suspension of his sentence in the rape case of a minor girl, to avail ayurvedic treatment.

Earlier, the Rajasthan High Court had denied relief to him in the matter and Asaram had moved the top court.

A bench of Justices Indira Banerjee, V. Ramasubramanian, and Bela M. Trivedi observed that Asaram was convicted of a crime, which is "no ordinary crime at all".

"Continuing ayurvedic treatment is not a problem. We'll direct the jail authorities to take care that ayurvedic treatment is granted," said the bench.

Senior advocate R. Basant, representing Asaram, requested the court to show some mercy in the matter and contended that only six weeks suspension was being sought owing to his failing health.

The bench, however, was unmoved by this argument.

Though Basant submitted that no adequate treatment was available in jail, senior advocate Manish Singhvi, appearing for Rajasthan, contended the convict was being provided with all necessary treatment in prison.

Meanwhile, the Rajasthan government had informed the apex court that he was not cooperating with the doctors at AIIMS Jodhpur where he was admitted for treatment with an ulterior motive of shifting of venue of his custody. The state government averred that Asaram has made a third attempt to get his sentence suspended, under the garb of medical treatment.

The state government, in an affidavit, challenging the bail plea for ayurvedic medical treatment, said: "In the previous round of petitions, the accused had prayed for immediate medical surgery of his ailment, through an allopathic method, which failed and now the accused through this present petition raised his concern to get his treatment from Ayurveda."

Asaram is serving a life term at Jodhpur Central Jail in connection with the rape of a minor girl. On May 6, he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was shifted to AIIMS, Jodhpur. According to his May 19 medical report, he was stable and fit for discharge.

Asaram initially moved to the high court seeking bail for ayurvedic treatment, but his application was dismissed. However, the high court had directed the district and jail administration to ensure that proper treatment is provided to him at a suitable medical institution. He challenged this order in the top court.