‘Supreme’ blow to Asaram, court said that bail cannot be granted at present only on the basis of age or illness.
Patna. Self-proclaimed religious leader Asaram, who is serving life imprisonment in a minor rape case, has not received any relief from the Supreme Court at present. The court, while hearing his petition challenging the decision of Rajasthan High Court, refused to grant him bail. However, the court has issued a notice to the Rajasthan government seeking its response and said that bail will be considered only if Asaram’s health condition is serious or there is a threat to his life.
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Supreme Court Justice M.M. The bench of Justice Sundaresh and Justice Sheel Nagu made it clear during the hearing on Tuesday that the sentence is not being stayed as of now. The court directed the jail administration to provide necessary medical facilities to Asaram. The court also said that any further decision would be taken only after hearing the state government’s side. The court has asked the Rajasthan government to file its reply within two weeks.
Why did the Supreme Court refuse to grant bail?
During the hearing, senior advocate D.S. appearing on behalf of Asaram. Naidu said that Asaram is more than 80 years old and is suffering from several diseases. On this the court said that at present bail cannot be granted only on the basis of age or illness. The bench orally said that bail would be considered only if a situation arises in the future in which Asaram’s life is in danger. This stance of the court is being considered as a big blow for Asaram.
What decision did Rajasthan High Court give?
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On May 27, the Rajasthan High Court had upheld Asaram’s conviction and life imprisonment. However, the High Court acquitted him of gang-rape and some serious provisions of the POCSO Act. The court upheld his conviction under section 376(2)(f) of the Indian Penal Code, which deals with rape of a minor. Along with this, the life sentence given by the trial court was also upheld.
Which charges remain intact against Asaram?
The High Court has found Asaram guilty in sections like wrongful confinement, human trafficking, criminal intimidation, insulting the modesty of a woman and sexual harassment. Apart from this, his punishment has also been upheld under Sections 7 and 8 of the POCSO Act and Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act. However, the court had given him relief from some sections related to criminal conspiracy and gang rape. Co-accused Sanchita Gupta alias Shilpi and Sharat Chandra were acquitted by the High Court.
What is the whole matter?
This matter is of the year 2013. It is alleged that Asaram had raped a minor girl student studying in his ashram. After hearing the case, on April 25, 2018, the trial court convicted him and sentenced him to life imprisonment. After this, Asaram filed an appeal in the Rajasthan High Court, but he did not get relief there either. Now he has approached the Supreme Court, where at present he has got limited relief only till the issue of notice.
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