The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday granted a 20-day parole to self-styled godman Asaram, who is serving a life sentence in a rape case. The court noted that he had previously been granted interim bail on several occasions and there was no record of him violating the conditions of bail, attempting to evade the legal process, or intimidating witnesses during those periods.
Asaram, 85, is currently lodged in a Jodhpur jail. His counsel argued for parole on medical grounds, citing his age and health issues. The court allowed the parole, subject to certain conditions, including that he will not leave the city and will cooperate with the investigation.
The self-styled godman was convicted in 2018 by a Jodhpur court for raping a minor girl at his ashram in 2013. He has been in jail since his arrest in 2013. His appeal against the conviction is pending before the Rajasthan High Court.
The prosecution had opposed the parole plea, arguing that Asaram could influence witnesses. However, the court observed that there was no evidence of him misusing the liberty granted earlier.
