SC to hear Asaram's life sentence appeal on Nov 17 in minor rape case
Synopsis
The Supreme Court has listed self-styled godman Asaram Bapu's appeal against his life sentence for 17 November, with a key legal question in focus: can the defence establish that an alleged procedural lapse is enough to overturn a conviction upheld by both a trial court and the Rajasthan High Court? The hearing will only proceed after he surrenders from parole on 27 October.
Key Takeaways
The Supreme Court has listed Asaram Bapu's appeal against his life sentence for 17 November 2026 at 2 pm .
A Bench of Justice J.B.
Pardiwala and Justice K.
Vinod Chandran directed trial court records to be shared with all three parties.
Asaram is currently on 20-day parole due to expire on 27 October ; the apex court will hear the appeal only after he surrenders.
The Special POCSO Court, Jodhpur convicted Asaram on 25 April 2018 ; the Rajasthan High Court upheld the sentence on 27 May .
Asaram is also serving a separate life sentence in a sexual assault case at his Gandhinagar, Gujarat ashram.
The Supreme Court had earlier denied interim bail but allowed a trained caregiver following an AIIMS medical assessment.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, scheduled the appeal filed by self-styled godman Asaram Bapu for hearing on 17 November, as he challenges the Rajasthan High Court judgment upholding his conviction and life sentence in the 2013 minor rape case. The listing comes while Asaram is currently out on a 20-day parole granted by the Rajasthan High Court, which is set to expire on 27 October.
Key Directions from the Bench
A Bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K. Vinod Chandran directed the apex court registry to summon trial court records in both physical and digital form, with one set each to be furnished to the petitioner, the state government, and the victim. The matter has been posted for further hearing at 2 pm on 17 November.
The Bench made clear it would proceed with the appeal only after Asaram surrenders following the expiry of his parole. During the hearing, the court indicated it would examine the legal question raised in the appeal, observing that the appellant side would need to establish that the alleged procedural lapse was sufficient to vitiate the entire conviction.
Background: Conviction and High Court Verdict
Asaram was convicted by a Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur on 25 April 2018 and sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life for the sexual assault of a minor student at his Chhindwara Gurukul. The Rajasthan High Court's Jodhpur Bench upheld that conviction and life sentence in its judgment dated 27 May, following which Asaram surrendered before Jodhpur Central Jail on 28 May after undergoing a medical examination.
Interim Bail Denied, Caregiver Permitted
The Supreme Court had earlier declined to grant Asaram interim bail on medical grounds. However, it permitted him to avail round-the-clock services of a trained caregiver of his choice, following a medical assessment submitted by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS). This arrangement reflects a measured judicial approach to his health concerns without disturbing the custodial order.
Parole Order and Second Case
Separately, the Rajasthan High Court on 6 October directed the state government to implement its 3 August order granting Asaram the 20-day parole and to submit a compliance report. Notably, Asaram is also serving a life sentence in a separate sexual assault case involving a woman disciple at his ashram in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The November 17 hearing will be watched closely as the apex court deliberates on what legal threshold the defence must clear to challenge a conviction upheld by both a trial court and a High Court.
Point of View
But the threshold it has signalled suggests the bench is not inclined toward casual reversals. The parole episode also warrants scrutiny: Asaram is serving life sentences in two separate states, yet courts have granted him medical caregiver access and temporary liberty — a combination that will draw continued public and legal attention.
NationPress
14 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the Supreme Court hear Asaram Bapu's appeal against his life sentence?
The Supreme Court has listed the appeal for hearing on 17 November 2026 at 2 pm. The bench will proceed only after Asaram surrenders following the expiry of his 20-day parole on 27 October.
What is the 2013 minor rape case against Asaram Bapu?
The case involves the sexual assault of a minor student at Asaram's Chhindwara Gurukul. A Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur convicted him on 25 April 2018 and sentenced him to life imprisonment, a verdict subsequently upheld by the Rajasthan High Court on 27 May.
What legal question will the Supreme Court examine in Asaram's appeal?
The apex court indicated it will examine whether the alleged procedural lapse highlighted by the defence was sufficient to vitiate the entire conviction. The defence will need to meet that threshold to succeed in the appeal.
Why was Asaram granted parole, and when does it end?
The Rajasthan High Court granted Asaram 20-day parole. The court on 6 October directed the state government to implement its 3 August order granting the parole and submit a compliance report. The parole period is due to end on 27 October.
Is Asaram involved in any other criminal cases?
Yes, Asaram is also serving a life sentence in a separate sexual assault case involving a woman disciple at his ashram in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, making him a convict in two independent cases across two states.
