New Delhi: Asaram Bapu, convicted in a case involving the rape of a minor, continues to face mounting legal troubles. He has suffered another major setback from the Supreme Court, the country’s apex court. Asaram Bapu, who is serving a life sentence for the rape of a minor, had filed a petition for interim bail, which the court has rejected. The 85-year-old had sought interim bail citing poor health. Based on a medical report from AIIMS, Jodhpur, the court did not deem bail necessary at this stage. However, it is expected that Asaram may seek interim bail again in the future.
Court Retains the Petition
While retaining Asaram’s interim bail petition, the Supreme Court stated that he could seek bail again if his condition deteriorates. During the hearing, the court was informed that Asaram has currently been granted 20 days of parole by the High Court.
Meanwhile, AIIMS Jodhpur stated in its report that while Asaram does not require hospitalisation, his health needs to be monitored round-the-clock. It was based on this report that the Supreme Court denied him interim bail. Asaram Bapu has also challenged the Rajasthan High Court’s order that convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment for the 2013 rape of a minor.
Alongside this, he had sought interim bail citing ill health. On July 21, the bench had asked AIIMS to submit a medical report on his health condition while considering his bail plea based on medical grounds.
Already granted 20-day parole.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for the Rajasthan government, alleged that Asaram had concealed the fact that he was seeking interim bail from the Supreme Court while simultaneously requesting 10 days’ parole from the High Court. He has already been granted 20 days’ parole by the High Court.
Asaram Bapu’s Conviction Remains Upheld
It is worth noting that in a significant ruling this May, the Rajasthan High Court had acquitted Asaram Bapu of charges related to gang rape and certain provisions of the POCSO Act. However, citing the need for concrete evidence to establish guilt in rape cases, the court upheld his life sentence without making any modifications to the punishment.
Meanwhile, Asaram Bapu has been incarcerated since August 2013; he has been serving his sentence for nearly 13 years since his arrest. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment by courts in Jodhpur (Rajasthan) and Gandhinagar (Gujarat) in cases involving the rape of minors. Now, any possibility of his release has been eliminated.
