​​​​​​​New Delhi, August 6:The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant interim bail to self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram on medical grounds, while permitting him to avail the services of a trained caregiver of his choice round the clock, based on the medical opinion of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS).

A Bench of Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale kept his plea for suspension of sentence pending and allowed him to approach the court again if his health condition worsens. The court directed that Asaram may have the assistance of a trained caregiver on a 24-hour basis.

During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Rajasthan government, alleged that Asaram had concealed material facts by securing a 20-day parole from the Rajasthan High Court without informing it about his pending interim bail plea before the Supreme Court. He also argued that the parole granted by the High Court was not disclosed before the apex court.

Expressing surprise, the Bench remarked, "After our order?" after being informed of the High Court's decision, and observed that the petitioner's conduct was "not correct."

Counsel for Asaram, however, submitted that the parole application had been filed earlier and that it was not sought solely on medical grounds.

The Supreme Court based its decision on the AIIMS medical board's assessment, which stated that although Asaram suffers from several ailments—including coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, chronic hyponatremia, thalassemia and recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding—he does not require hospitalisation but needs continuous assistance from trained caregivers.

On July 21, the apex court had directed the AIIMS Director to constitute a specialised medical board for a comprehensive evaluation of Asaram's health, saying it would not consider interim bail without an independent medical assessment.

Earlier, on June 30, the court had issued notice to the Rajasthan government on Asaram's special leave petition challenging the Rajasthan High Court's May 27 judgment upholding his conviction and life sentence in the 2013 minor rape case, while declining interim relief.

Asaram has challenged the High Court verdict affirming the life sentence imposed by a Special POCSO Court in connection with the sexual assault of a minor student at his Chhindwara Gurukul. Convicted on April 25, 2018, he is currently lodged in Jodhpur Central Jail after surrendering on May 28 following the expiry of his interim medical bail. He is also serving another life sentence in a separate sexual assault case involving a woman disciple at his Gandhinagar ashram in Gujarat.