New Delhi, July 31 -- The Supreme Court on Wednesday refused to grant regular bail to controversial self-styled godman Asaram on medical grounds in a 2013 rape case in Gujarat, even as it allowed him to approach the high court in case his health deteriorates. The godman, who stands convicted in the case and is serving life sentence, had in January got medical bail extending till March 31. Since then, he has got the bail extended from time to time by approaching the Gujarat high court. Earlier this month, the high court while extending the bail for a period till early next week, made it clear that this will be the last such opportunity. A bench of justices MM Sundresh and N Kotiswar Singh said, "It looks like you are able to manage bail each time." "We are not inclined to entertain the petition. However, the appellant is at liberty to approach the high court," the bench said, while dismissing his plea. Senior advocate Dama Sesadari Naidu, appearing for Asaram, urged the court to consider the precarious health of his client. He submitted medical reports to indicate the nature of health ailments. "This month, he suffered a heart attack. He has suffered multiple attacks and has been hospitalised 26 times. For 12 years he is inside and he is close to 90 years of age," Naidu submitted, urging the court to grant him permanent bail on health grounds. The court after examining the reports said, "There has to be a medical opinion saying that he is likely to die in the foreseeable future."htc...