The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected rape convict Asaram's plea for interim medical bail, ruling that he would remain in judicial custody while permitting him to engage a trained caretaker of his choice round the clock based on recommendations made by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A Bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale passed the order after examining AIIMS' medical assessment, which concluded that Asaram did not require hospitalisation but would benefit from continuous medical assistance.

The court also granted him liberty to approach it again if his health condition deteriorates.

AIIMS Report Guides Court's Decision

The order was based on a comprehensive medical evaluation conducted by AIIMS following the Supreme Court's direction on July 21.

A team of specialists examined Asaram and submitted a report stating that while his ailments did not warrant admission to a hospital, he required regular medical monitoring and assistance.

Accepting the findings, the Bench directed jail authorities to permit Asaram to appoint a trained caretaker of his own choice for 24-hour assistance during his incarceration.

Appeal Against Conviction Pending

The interim bail application was filed during the pendency of Asaram's appeal against the Rajasthan High Court judgment that upheld his conviction in the 2013 rape case involving a minor devotee.

The case relates to allegations that the minor girl was confined inside Asaram's hut at his Jodhpur ashram in August 2013, where she was sexually assaulted and criminally intimidated.

A trial court had convicted Asaram along with two co-accused. Earlier this year, the Rajasthan High Court affirmed the conviction under provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.

State Opposes Interim Bail

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Rajasthan government, opposed the interim bail plea.

He argued that Asaram had recently travelled to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya after being granted temporary medical bail, questioning the seriousness of his medical claims.

Mehta also submitted that Asaram had sought parole before another court and had subsequently been granted 20 days' parole, alleging that this fact had not been properly disclosed before the Supreme Court.

Defence Denies Suppression of Facts

Counsel representing Asaram denied any concealment, stating that the parole application had been filed earlier and was unrelated to the present medical bail request.

The defence maintained that the parole was not granted on medical grounds and therefore did not amount to suppression of material facts before the apex court.

Fresh Plea Permitted if Condition Worsens

While refusing interim medical bail, the Supreme Court disposed of the application in line with the AIIMS report.

However, the Bench clarified that Asaram would be at liberty to file a fresh application if his health condition worsens while his appeal against conviction remains pending before the court.