Ahmedabad: The Gujarat high court has extended the temporary bail granted to Ashumal Harpalani alias Asaram till June 15 in connection with the rape case in which he has been awarded life imprisonment by a Gandhinagar court.Asaram was released on temporary bail on health grounds by the Supreme Court, and his release was extended by the Gujarat HC and Rajasthan HC, as he is also sentenced to life term in a case under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act in Jodhpur. On Thursday, Asaram’s advocate submitted that the octogenarian requires constant medical surveillance, periodic evaluation and immediate access to emergency care, and urged the HC to extend the temporary bail for six months. The state govt opposed the request and submitted that the Rajasthan HC has concluded the hearing on Asaram’s appeal against his conviction in the Jodhpur case, and the HC has reserved its judgment. After hearing the arguments, the bench of Justice I J Vora and Justice R T Vachhani said, “Having heard the learned advocates appearing for the rival sides and considering the grounds stated in the application, pointing out the medical condition of the applicant-convict and considering the fact no untoward incident has been reported while the applicant-convict is released on temporary bail, pending the present application, the temporary bail granted to the applicant vide order dated Nov 6, 2025, is extended up to June 15, 2026, on the same terms and conditions as mentioned in the said order.“
