Supreme Court Directs AIIMS to Constitute Medical Board to Assess Asaram’s Health in Interim Bail Plea
The Supreme Court has directed the Director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to constitute an independent medical board to assess the health condition of self-styled godman Asaram, who has sought interim bail on medical grounds while serving life imprisonment in a rape case. The Court’s direction came during the hearing of his plea seeking temporary release for treatment, with the Bench deciding that an impartial medical evaluation was necessary before considering any relief.
Asaram, now in his eighties, is serving a life sentence after being convicted for the sexual assault of a minor girl at his Jodhpur ashram. His conviction was recently upheld by the Rajasthan High Court, which dismissed his appeal against the trial court’s judgment. Following the affirmation of his conviction, Asaram approached the Supreme Court seeking interim bail, contending that his deteriorating health required specialized medical care unavailable in prison.
During the hearing, the Bench refrained from expressing any opinion on the merits of the bail application and instead ordered AIIMS to conduct an independent assessment of the prisoner’s current medical condition. The Court directed that the medical board examine Asaram comprehensively and submit a report detailing his ailments, the treatment being administered, whether adequate medical facilities are available in custody, and whether his condition warrants temporary release on health grounds.
The Union Government opposed the plea for interim bail. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta questioned the gravity of Asaram’s medical claims, pointing to records indicating that he had undertaken long-distance travel and attended public engagements during previous periods of medical relief. The government argued that these circumstances cast doubt on the contention that his health had deteriorated to an extent requiring release from custody and urged the Court to rely on an objective medical evaluation before taking any decision.
The Supreme Court observed that cases involving requests for interim bail on medical grounds must be decided on credible and independent medical evidence rather than competing claims made by the parties. By entrusting the assessment to AIIMS, the Court sought to ensure transparency and impartiality while balancing the prisoner’s right to medical care with the seriousness of the offences for which he stands convicted. The Bench made it clear that the AIIMS report would play a crucial role in determining whether interim bail is justified.
The matter will now be taken up after AIIMS submits its medical report. The Supreme Court has not granted any interim relief at this stage, and Asaram will remain in custody pending further consideration of his plea. The outcome of the medical board’s findings is expected to significantly influence the Court’s decision on whether his health condition warrants temporary release or whether treatment can continue under custodial supervision.
