Supreme Court Issues Notice to Rajasthan Government in Asaram Case

The Supreme Court has taken action in the case of self-styled godman Asaram, who is appealing against his life sentence for a 2013 minor rape case. The court has requested the Rajasthan government's response to his petition. Asaram's legal team has also sought his release on medical grounds due to his age and health issues, but the court has postponed any interim relief until it hears from the state. The case has drawn significant attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and Asaram's previous convictions in related cases.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 30, 2026, 13:59 IST

Supreme Court's Notice to Rajasthan Government

A file image of Supreme Court (Photo: IANS)

New Delhi, June 30: On Tuesday, the Supreme Court issued a notice to the Rajasthan government regarding a petition from self-proclaimed godman Asaram, who is contesting the Rajasthan High Court's decision that upheld his life sentence for a minor rape case from 2013.

A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and Sheel Nagu has requested the Rajasthan government's response to Asaram's special leave petition (SLP) challenging the High Court's ruling made on May 27.

During the proceedings, Asaram's senior counsel requested his immediate release on medical grounds, citing his age and declining health. However, the Supreme Court denied any interim relief at this point, stating it would first consider the Rajasthan government's position before addressing the request for suspension of the sentence.

The case is scheduled for the next hearing on July 13.

Asaram is appealing against the May 27 ruling from the Jodhpur Bench of the Rajasthan High Court, which confirmed his conviction and life sentence imposed by a Special POCSO Court in connection with the sexual assault of a minor.

A Division Bench, consisting of Justices Arun Monga and Yogendra Kumar Purohit, had previously dismissed Asaram's appeal while acquitting his co-accused, Shilpi and Sharad Chandra.

After the High Court's decision, Asaram, who had been released on interim medical bail, turned himself in at the Jodhpur Central Jail on May 28 following a medical evaluation.

The allegations against Asaram involve the sexual assault of a minor student at his Chhindwara Gurukul, which reportedly occurred on the night of August 15, 2013. It is claimed that the girl and her parents were convinced she was possessed by evil spirits and needed spiritual intervention from Asaram.

The Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur found Asaram guilty on April 25, 2018, sentencing him to life imprisonment.

Additionally, Asaram is currently serving a life sentence for another sexual assault case involving a female disciple at his ashram in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.