How do I change jquery_update version for a custom theme? There are two options in jquery_update module's configuration: Jquery to be used in frontend theme, and Jquery to be used in admin themes. I set another theme to be used by a specific role (say, manager).
How do I change jquery_update version of that theme that is used by manager role.
Is it possible to do this with template.php, if yes, how so?

I already followed a patch here, but I am not sure if I should apply that old patch.
No need for a patch, jquery_update 7.x-3.0-alpha5 works great and it already includes functionality to specify jquery version per theme (as per this issue) on configuration page admin/config/development/jquery_update



For specifying a theme per role you can try any of the following modules role_theme_switcher Themes By Role (TBR)