The Supreme Court of India has directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to provide a detailed medical report on the health condition of Asaram Bapu, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader and convicted rapist, to determine the viability of granting him bail on medical grounds. This request comes as part of the ongoing proceedings in the case Asha Ram @ Ashumal v. State of Rajasthan.
Judicial Directions for Medical Examination
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale has instructed the AIIMS director to form a team of medical professionals to conduct a comprehensive health evaluation of Asaram Bapu. The Court emphasized the necessity of a thorough medical examination to assess whether Asaram should be admitted for inpatient care.
“The petitioner’s case may be referred to the director of AIIMS who may constitute a team of doctors to conduct a thorough examination and submit a report on whether he should be admitted as a patient,” the Court directed. The Bench further stated, “Doctors will know whether he is to be treated as an inpatient or an outpatient. There will be a comprehensive examination.” The matter has been scheduled for a hearing on July 30.
Background of the Case
Asaram Bapu is challenging the Rajasthan High Court’s ruling, which upheld his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor devotee in Jodhpur in 2013. Amid his ongoing appeal, Asaram has sought interim bail, citing medical reasons. However, the Court previously indicated reluctance to grant interim relief without a detailed response from the State or concrete evidence of his health deterioration.
Recently, Asaram’s legal team reported to the Court that he had developed “acute internal bleeding,” prompting the current examination request. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Rajasthan, highlighted Asaram’s recent travels to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya, questioning the genuineness of his medical claims.
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“He got the bail on the ground that he was in a vegetative state. But now he is roaming around,” remarked the Solicitor General. The Supreme Court has made it clear that bail will only be considered if Asaram’s medical condition justifies his release from prison.
Case Details and Convictions
The case against Asaram Bapu involves a minor devotee who was allegedly confined and assaulted at his Jodhpur ashram in August 2013. A trial court found Asaram and two associates, hostel warden Sanchita Shilpi and school director Sharad Chandra, guilty, resulting in an appeal to the Rajasthan High Court.
In May, the Rajasthan High Court upheld Asaram’s conviction for rape and related charges under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). However, the court acquitted Asaram and his co-accused of criminal conspiracy and gang rape charges, leading to the current appeal before the Supreme Court.
