The All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) recently submitted a medical report to the Supreme Court regarding Asaram Bapu, a self-proclaimed spiritual leader and convicted rapist. The report concluded that while Asaram does not need to be hospitalized, he does require continuous medical supervision. This update comes in the case Asha Ram @ Ashumal v. State of Rajasthan.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale reviewed the report and scheduled a hearing for Asaram’s medical bail plea on August 6. Justice Sundresh noted, “The report indicates hospitalization is not necessary, yet it emphasizes the need for constant medical attention.” The Court has thus slated the plea for further discussion.
The Supreme Court had previously directed the AIIMS director on July 21 to assemble a medical team to thoroughly examine Asaram. This was amidst Asaram’s ongoing appeal against the Rajasthan High Court’s decision, which upheld his conviction for the sexual assault of a minor devotee in Jodhpur in 2013.
Background of the Case
The case centers around allegations from 2013, where Asaram reportedly detained a minor devotee in his ‘kutiya’—a small thatched house—at his Jodhpur ashram. The minor was allegedly subjected to penetrative sexual assault and criminal intimidation. Asaram, along with co-accused hostel warden Sanchita Shilpi and school director Sharad Chandra, was convicted by a trial court. The Rajasthan High Court upheld this conviction in May, affirming charges under Sections 370(4), 342, 509, 506, 354A, and 376(2)(f) of the Indian Penal Code, Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, and Sections 3, 4, 7, and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Asaram’s Plea for Interim Bail
Asaram has petitioned for interim bail on medical grounds, citing “acute internal bleeding.” However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the State of Rajasthan, challenged this claim. He noted that Asaram had previously used medical grounds to secure bail but was later seen traveling to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya. “He obtained bail claiming to be in a vegetative state, yet now he travels freely,” Mehta argued during a July 17 hearing.
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The Supreme Court indicated hesitation in granting interim relief without a detailed State response or clear evidence of Asaram’s critical health condition. Consequently, the Court mandated a comprehensive medical examination by AIIMS, whose findings have now been submitted for judicial consideration.
Senior Advocate DS Naidu is representing Asaram Bapu in this legal matter. The Supreme Court is poised to resume deliberations on Asaram’s appeal against the Rajasthan High Court’s ruling, as well as his request for interim bail.
