Supreme Court Orders Medical Board for Asaram's Health Assessment
Supreme Court Directs Medical Evaluation for Asaram
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has instructed the director of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to form a medical board to assess the health condition of self-styled guru Asaram. Asaram has requested interim bail on medical grounds, prompting the court to issue this directive for consideration.
A bench comprising Justices M.M. Sundresh and P.B. Varale mandated that the medical board submit its report to the court within a week. Previously, the Rajasthan High Court upheld Asaram's conviction in a case involving the rape of a minor, maintaining the life sentence imposed by a lower court for the 80-year-old.
During the hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that Asaram had traveled to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya just three months ago. He pointed out that Asaram had received interim bail on the grounds of being incapacitated, yet he is now moving around freely.
In response, the bench clarified that they are not granting regular bail at this time. The court emphasized that a decision regarding the necessity of bail on medical grounds will only be made after reviewing the medical board's report.
Asaram's attorney suggested that the case could be referred to the AIIMS director, who could assemble a team of specialist doctors for a comprehensive medical evaluation. This board will determine whether Asaram requires hospitalization as a patient.
The Rajasthan High Court had upheld Asaram's conviction but acquitted him of charges related to gang rape and sexual assault under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act. However, the court confirmed his conviction under IPC Section 376(2)(F) concerning the rape of a minor, which resulted in the continuation of his life sentence.
Additionally, the High Court upheld convictions under IPC Sections 342 (wrongful confinement), 370(4) (human trafficking), 506 (criminal intimidation), 509 (insulting the modesty of a woman), and 354(A) (sexual harassment), as well as Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act and Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice (JJ) Act. Earlier, on April 25, 2018, a lower court had convicted Asaram for raping a minor student at his ashram, sentencing him to life imprisonment under various legal provisions.