Rajasthan High Court Issues Interim Bail to Asaram in 2013 Rape Case
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court has granted interim bail to Asaram, a self-styled godman serving life imprisonment in a 2013 rape case, until March 31. This follows a recent Supreme Court decision allowing him medical bail in a separate case.
Key Takeaways
- Asaram granted interim bail until March 31.
- Conditions include no contact with followers.
- He has been in prison since 2013.
- Convicted in multiple cases.
- Bail granted on humanitarian grounds.
Jaipur, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Rajasthan High Court has granted interim bail to self-proclaimed godman Asaram until March 31, who is currently serving life imprisonment for a 2013 rape case.
This decision follows a recent ruling from the Supreme Court, which also provided him bail for medical reasons until March 31.
The petition for suspension of sentence and bail was presented in the High Court and heard on Monday.
Asaram's attorney, R.S. Saluja, informed reporters that the court approved the interim bail.
He was apprehended by Jodhpur police at his ashram located in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, back in 2013 and has remained incarcerated since.
Following a five-year trial, he received a life sentence on April 25, 2018. After 11 years, he is now temporarily released.
The court has set forth conditions for his bail, including a prohibition on meeting followers and any attempts to interfere with the case evidence.
Asaram will be accompanied by three guards, with the costs covered by him.
On January 7, the Supreme Court had previously granted him medical bail until March 31, 2025, for a separate case involving the rape of a female follower at the Surat ashram. The verdict emphasized that he is not permitted to meet followers, as the relief was granted on humanitarian grounds along with specific compliance requirements.
Asaram did not receive relief in the Jodhpur rape case, prompting his lawyer to file a petition in the High Court which ultimately provided relief.
This self-styled godman has been convicted in two cases: one in Jodhpur Court and another in Gandhinagar Court.
He was arrested on September 2, 2013, after a woman from the Gandhinagar ashram accused him of rape. The court sentenced him to life imprisonment for this case on January 31, 2023.
