Supreme Court Allows Asaram To Hire Trained Caregiver, Refuses Hospitalisation

The Supreme Court on Wednesday permitted self-styled godman and self-styled dict Asaram to engage a trained caregiver for medical assistance while clarifying that he does not require hospitalisation solely for that purpose.

The order came during the hearing of his plea seeking relief on medical grounds.

The Bench observed that a trained caregiver could adequately assist Asaram with his daily medical needs without requiring admission to a hospital. It directed that the caregiver should possess the necessary professional qualifications to provide appropriate support during treatment.

The apex court, however, did not suspend Asaram’s sentence or grant substantive relief in the criminal proceedings. It reiterated that his conviction and sentence remain unaffected while the appeal against the Rajasthan High Court judgment continues.

The court had earlier issued notice on his appeal but declined to suspend his life sentence.

Asaram had sought relief citing his advanced age and medical condition.

The Supreme Court had previously indicated that it would consider suspension of sentence only if any grave threat to his health emerged. It also directed that adequate medical treatment should continue while he remains in custody.

The Rajasthan High Court had earlier upheld Asaram’s conviction and life imprisonment in the 2013 rape case while rejecting his challenge to the trial court verdict.

The Supreme Court is presently examining his appeal against that judgment.

The latest direction focuses exclusively on ensuring appropriate medical care. It allows professional caregiving support without requiring hospital admission, while legal proceedings in the appeal continue before the apex court.

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