The Asaram Bapu Rape Case saw the Supreme Court decline immediate interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu while issuing notice on his appeal against the Rajasthan High Court judgment upholding his conviction. The Bench directed the Rajasthan Government to respond within three weeks and stated that interim relief may be considered later if his medical condition seriously deteriorates. The Court also ordered continuation of existing medical treatment. The criminal appeal remains pending, and the matter will be heard after the Court reopens following vacation.
Asaram Bapu Rape Case: Supreme Court Declines Immediate Interim Bail, Says Health Deterioration May Warrant Relief Later
The Supreme Court has declined to grant immediate interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu in the 2013 Jodhpur minor rape case. However, the Court observed that it may consider urgent relief later if his health condition seriously deteriorates after hearing the State.
The Asaram Bapu rape case witnessed another significant development on Tuesday after the Supreme Court refused to grant immediate interim bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, while issuing notice on his appeal challenging the Rajasthan High Court judgment that upheld his conviction in the 2013 sexual assault case involving a minor devotee.
A Bench comprising Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu sought a response from the Government of Rajasthan on the Special Leave Petition filed by Asaram Bapu, also known as Asha Ram @ Ashumal, against the Rajasthan High Court’s decision affirming his conviction.
The Bench clarified that it was not inclined to grant interim bail without first hearing the State or unless medical circumstances clearly justified such relief. The Court observed that it would consider interim liberty only if there was an absolute necessity to preserve the petitioner’s life.
According to the Bench, the notice has been issued in the Special Leave Petition, while the Rajasthan Government has been granted three weeks to file its counter affidavit. The matter will be listed after the Court reopens following the vacation.
Court Says Medical Treatment Should Continue
During the hearing, Senior Advocate D.S. Naidu, appearing for Asaram Bapu, urged the Court to consider his client’s advanced age and medical condition. He submitted that the 90-year-old had several health issues and had previously undergone treatment at an Ayurvedic hospital.
Senior Advocate D.S. Naidu also argued that public perception and social media discussions had influenced the case, stating that the Supreme Court remained the petitioner’s only avenue for relief after the Rajasthan High Court upheld the conviction.
Counsel appearing for the State of Rajasthan opposed any interim bail, stressing that the prosecution concerns a minor victim. The State further informed the Court that adequate medical treatment had already been provided whenever necessary and that there was presently no justification for releasing the convict on interim bail.
After considering the submissions, the Bench directed that the medical facilities presently being extended to Asaram Bapu should continue. However, it clarified that the issue of interim bail would be examined only after hearing the State Government.
Conviction Upheld by Rajasthan High Court
The criminal case relates to allegations that, in August 2013, a minor devotee was allegedly wrongfully confined inside Asaram Bapu’s kutiya at his ashram in Manai, Jodhpur, where she was allegedly subjected to penetrative sexual assault and criminal intimidation.
A trial court had convicted Asaram Bapu along with co-accused Sanchita Shilpi, who served as a hostel warden, and Sharad Chandra, identified as a school director. All three subsequently challenged their convictions before the Rajasthan High Court.
In May this year, the Rajasthan High Court upheld Asaram Bapu’s conviction under Sections 370(4), 342, 509, 506, 354A and 376(2)(f) of the Indian Penal Code, Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000, and Sections 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
However, the High Court held that the evidence was insufficient to establish the offences of criminal conspiracy and gang rape. Consequently, Asaram Bapu, Sanchita Shilpi, and Sharad Chandra were acquitted of those specific charges while the remaining convictions were sustained.
Also Read: Court Sends Gandiv Property Case Accused to Jail.
Matter to be Reconsidered if Health Worsens
The Supreme Court observed that if Asaram Bapu’s medical condition deteriorates significantly before the next hearing, the petitioner would have liberty to seek urgent listing of the matter for appropriate relief.
The appeal challenging the Rajasthan High Court judgment remains pending before the Supreme Court. The Court has not expressed any opinion on the merits of the appeal, and the final outcome will depend upon further hearings after receiving the State Government’s response.
Readers’ Appeal
If you have verified documents or information concerning matters of public interest, governance, or judicial proceedings, you may confidentially share them with Unmesh Gujarathi, Editor-in-Chief, Sprouts News. Every credible input is independently verified before publication.
Editorial Note:
This article is based on publicly available FIR records, court case references, and reports published by multiple media organisations. The information is presented in the context of ongoing investigations and public interest reporting. Sprouts News does not make any judicial determination regarding the individuals mentioned and does not intend to defame any person or organisation. Any individual seeking clarification or wishing to provide an official response may contact the editorial team with verifiable documentation. The information is presented for journalistic and informational purposes.
