Supreme Court Petition Seeks to Revoke Asaram's Bail Amid Safety Concerns

Petition Filed Against Asaram's Bail

The father of a rape victim from Uttar Pradesh has approached the Supreme Court, requesting the cancellation of the six-month bail granted to Asaram, who has claimed to be a divine figure. Asaram, aged 84, was initially arrested in 2013 after a 16-year-old girl from Shahjahanpur accused him of sexual assault at his ashram in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. Following a conviction under the POCSO Act in 2018, he was sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2023, he received an additional life sentence in Gujarat.

The victim's father expressed his fears on Monday, stating that since Asaram was granted bail, he has been receiving threats and feels unsafe. He also alleged that Asaram is not suffering from any illness.

Arguments Presented by the Lawyer

The lawyer informed the Supreme Court that in August, the High Court had established a medical board which reported that Asaram's condition was stable and did not require hospitalization. The lawyer, Joseph, further argued that Asaram, who obtained bail on medical grounds, has been traveling to various locations including Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, and Indore. He noted that Asaram had even traveled from Rishikesh to Maharashtra.

Joseph emphasized that Asaram has never undergone prolonged treatment in any hospital and is currently receiving Ayurvedic treatment in Jodhpur, asserting that he is not ill.

Bail Granted by Rajasthan and Gujarat High Courts

On October 29, the Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram six months of bail on medical grounds while he serves a life sentence for the rape of a minor. His lawyer, Devdutt Kamat, argued that Asaram has been unwell for an extended period and that adequate medical care is not feasible in prison. Thus, granting him bail would facilitate his treatment.

A week later, on November 6, the Gujarat High Court also approved Asaram's bail. His lawyer presented the Rajasthan High Court's order to the bench for consideration.