Supreme Court tells Rajasthan to submit Asaram health report

The Supreme Court on Friday, July 17, 2026, directed the Rajasthan government to obtain detailed instructions regarding the health of self-styled religious leader Asaram Bapu before it considers his plea for interim bail on medical grounds. Expressing concern, the bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale stated it did not want any untoward incident to occur and emphasized that neither the court nor the state should be blamed if the convict's condition is indeed serious.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Rajasthan government, opposed the bail application, arguing that Asaram is medically fit. Mehta informed the court that Asaram had traveled to Ayodhya and Varanasi three months ago and walked extensively during the visit. He stated that medical advice indicated Asaram primarily required lifestyle changes and that a reported gastrointestinal issue causing some bleeding appeared to be a temporary phenomenon for which he is receiving medication.

In contrast, Asaram's counsel contended that the 80-year-old's health is deteriorating, describing him as a high-risk patient suffering from acute internal bleeding. The bench responded by saying it...