'Ensure His Privacy Isn't Hampered': Rajasthan HC Extends Rape Convict Asaram Bapu's Ayurvedic Treatment Duration

The Rajasthan High Court on Tuesday extended the duration of the Ayurvedic treatment for self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu. The court has directed the police authorities to ensure that his privacy isn't hampered and that he is exposed to proper sunlight to cope with vitamin D deficiency.

A bench of Justice Dinesh Mehta and Justice Vinit Kumar Mathur passed this order on an interim application moved by Asaram citing health concerns and the need for continued medical attention. Last month, the Division bench had allowed him to get ayurvedic treatment at 'Arogayadham Center' at Jodhpur in police custody.

In his plea, Asaram submitted that while he was in the hospital, four to five police personnel remained present in his room, which adversely affected not only the applicant's treatment but also his privacy. The Additional Advocate General did not dispute the position that the continuous presence of police personnel in the room might have hindered his privacy and health.

Against this backdrop, in order to ensure proper treatment of the applicant, the order dated 21.03.2024 was further extended with the following directions:-

(i) Asaram will be further admitted to the Arogyadham Hospital for 7-10 days, after which he will be again lodged in Central Jail to assess/review his health condition.

(ii) If the doctors of Arogyadham Hospital further advise the applicant's readmission, he shall be admitted again for a further period of 7-10 days.

(iii) Police Personnel will permit two persons of the applicant's choice to visit the applicant in Arogyadham Hospital during his hospitalization.

(iii) The police authorities shall ensure that the applicant's privacy is not hampered and that he is exposed to proper sunlight to cope with his Vitamin D deficiency, keeping security concerns in mind.

The Court also requested the Additional Advocate General and Senior Counsel V.R. Bajwa to visit the Arogyadham Hospital to ensure proper treatment while considering Asaram's security concerns.