Asaram Parole Granted: Rajasthan High Court Approves 20-Day Temporary Release for 87-year-old Prisoner

The Rajasthan High Court has granted a 20-day parole to 87-year-old Asaram, who is currently lodged in the Jodhpur Central Jail serving a life sentence. The decision came despite strong opposition from state law authorities and police, who had raised apprehensions that the high-profile inmate might abscond if released temporarily. Dismissing these objections as legally unfounded, a division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit cleared the temporary release, paving the way for his imminent exit from prison under strict judicial conditions.

High Court Dismisses Police Apprehensions and State Objections

During the legal proceedings, the State Law Department's counsel informed the bench that Asaram's parole application had earlier been rejected during a review meeting chaired by the Jodhpur District Collector and District Magistrate. Citing Rule 14(A) of the Rajasthan Prisoners on Parole Rules, 1958, police authorities argued against his release, highlighting active criminal cases registered against him outside Rajasthan. However, defending counsel Kaluram Bhati and Yashpal Singh strongly presented the petitioner's case, pointing out his advanced age and medical background. The High Court carefully noted that Asaram has already spent over 13 years, one month, and 24 days behind bars. Furthermore, the bench observed that during past instances of interim bail, he had never abused his liberty or attempted to threaten any witnesses, making the police's fears baseless.

Strict Conditions Attached to the Temporary Release

To ensure compliance and secure his return, the Rajasthan High Court has ordered Asaram's release on parole subject to the furnishing of a personal bond worth Rs 50,000 along with two reliable sureties of Rs 25,000 each. While state authorities evaluate the administrative logistics of the release, this judicial directive underscores the legal provisions governing long-term prisoners' rights to parole based on completed custody periods and conduct records inside correctional facilities.