No More Extensions: Asaram Bapu Ordered to Surrender by Oct 27
The Supreme Court denies Asaram Bapu's parole extension request, ordering his immediate return to Jodhpur Jail by October 27.
The legal battle for a prolonged stay outside prison has hit a wall for Asaram Bapu. Following the rejection of his plea for a parole extension, the Supreme Court of India has issued a firm mandate: the convicted spiritual leader must surrender to the Jodhpur Jail by 5:00 PM on October 27, 2026.
Supreme Court Rejects Health-Based Plea
Asaram Bapu had been enjoying a 20-day parole, which was originally granted by the Rajasthan High Court on October 6, 2026. As the period expired on October 26, his legal team approached the apex court seeking more time. The request was based on health grounds, with his counsel arguing that he was currently undergoing necessary medical treatment at a hospital in Ujjain.
However, the Supreme Court remained unmoved by the request for an extension. The court ruled that he must first return to custody before any further legal appeals or requests can be considered. This decision effectively ends his temporary release and brings him back under the jurisdiction of the prison authorities.
Medical Care and AIIMS Findings
While the court denied the extension, it did not ignore the concerns regarding his health. To balance the requirement of incarceration with the need for medical attention, the Supreme Court explicitly directed the Rajasthan government to ensure that Asaram receives appropriate medical care while in jail custody.
This directive comes in the wake of a report from AIIMS, which provided a nuanced view of his condition. The AIIMS report determined that while Asaram Bapu did not require full hospital admission, he did necessitate continuous medical assistance. To accommodate this, the court had previously allowed him to be accompanied by a trained caretaker 24 hours a day.
The Road Ahead
The timeline for Asaram's legal journey is now clearly mapped out. With the surrender deadline set for October 27, the focus shifts back to his primary legal battles. The court has scheduled further hearings regarding his conviction appeal for November 6.
This latest development follows a series of judicial hurdles, including a Rajasthan High Court order from August 3, 2026, which had previously addressed the complexities surrounding his temporary release. For now, the priority remains his immediate return to Jodhpur Jail as mandated by the highest court in the land.