On Tuesday, Supreme Court of India granted self-proclaimed “godman” Asaram Bapu temporary bail till March 31 on the basis of medical need. Among the severe restrictions attached to the bond is the inability to meet with his supporters while he is not in custody.
Asaram, whose true name is Asumal Sirumalani Harpalani, has been incarcerated since he was taken into custody by Jodhpur Police on August 31, 2013, in connection with a rape case. His conviction resulted from an accusation of sexual assault made by a young girl from Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, against him at his ashram in Manai village, which is close to Jodhpur.
The godman, who has experienced a heart attack and has a history of heart problems, was released on bail to seek medical attention. Additionally, the Supreme Court ordered law enforcement to keep an eye on him throughout the bond period to make sure he complies with the conditions.
After a 17-day furlough, Asaram returned to Jodhpur jail barely six days prior to this temporary bail.
In April 2018, a Jodhpur court sentenced Asaram to life in prison for raping the minor at his ashram in 2013. A Gujarati court also found him guilty in January 2023 of raping a lady from Surat at another ashram in 2013.
The Supreme Court’s ruling comes after protracted legal disputes. Asaram’s request to have his life sentence in the 2023 case suspended was denied by the Gujarat High Court last year. In a similar vein, the top court asked the Gujarat government to respond to his request that the trial court’s 2013 sentence be suspended.
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