The Gujarat High Court on Thursday granted six-month interim bail to Asaram, who is serving a sentence for a 2013 rape conviction. The court said that the 86-year-old is suffering from heart-related health problems and has the legal right to receive medical treatment.

The bench also noted that the Jodhpur High Court has already given similar relief, and therefore, Gujarat could not take a different view in the matter at this stage.

The court added that the appeal in the case may not move forward quickly. If the hearing does not progress in the next six months, Asaram will be allowed to file another bail request.

The bench further clarified that if the Rajasthan government challenges the Jodhpur bail order, then the Gujarat government can also challenge the relief granted here.

State counsel told the court that if the medical facilities in Jodhpur jail are not enough, Asaram could be shifted to Sabarmati Jail, where proper treatment can be arranged.

The lawyer representing the survivor strongly opposed the medical grounds for bail. The counsel told the court that Asaram has been traveling to places like Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Indore, Rishikesh, and Maharashtra in the past, which suggests he is not as medically helpless as claimed.

The lawyer added that Asaram is currently taking Ayurvedic treatment in Jodhpur and has never undergone any long-term hospital care.

For now, Asaram will be on interim bail for six months. If the appeal does not make progress, he may seek further relief, unless the earlier bail order is challenged by state governments.