The Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, to submit a comprehensive medical report on self-styled godman Asaram @ Ashumal, observing that an objective assessment of his health was necessary before deciding his plea for interim bail on medical grounds.
The Rajasthan Government opposed the bail plea, contending that Asaram’s medical condition was not critical enough to justify interim release. Referring to his recent movements, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta previously submitted that Asaram had visited Ayodhya and Kashi Vishwanath about three months ago and was capable of walking without assistance, indicating that he was in a reasonably fit condition. Today, he clarified that the state is not against him going on pilgrimage.
Senior Advocate Dama Sheshadri Naidu for Asaram, however, maintained that the request was not linked to any religious visit but solely to ascertain his present medical condition.
Taking note of the rival submissions, the Bench of Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Prasanna B. Varale considered it appropriate to obtain an authoritative medical assessment from AIIMS before deciding whether the convict’s condition warranted interim bail. The report has been sought to assist the Court in determining whether his health necessitates temporary release.