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Supreme Court notice to Gujarat government seeking medical bail for Asaram in sexual assault case

Supreme Court notice to Gujarat government seeking medical bail for Asaram in sexual assault case

The 86-year-old spiritual leader was convicted in January 2023 for offenses under Sections 376(2)(C), 377 and others of the IPC, based on allegations dating back more than two decades.

In his plea, filed through advocates Rajesh Inamdar and Shashwat Anand, Asaram alleged that his conviction was riddled with inconsistencies and was based solely on the complainant’s uncorroborated testimony.

His plea alleged that there is no medical or independent evidence to support the allegations.

He claimed that he was wrongly accused of damaging his reputation and driving him out of his Ashram.

Citing serious health problems, including multiple heart attacks and severe comorbidities, Asaram alleged that his continued confinement amounted to a violation of his fundamental rights under Articles 14, 19 and 21 of the Constitution.

“Every day that passes in jail erodes his health and dignity,” the plea alleged.

He also claimed that he has already spent more than 11 years behind bars and may not survive the hearing of his pending appeal.

The Gujarat High Court had rejected Asaram’s plea for suspension of sentence in August 2024, citing his previous criminal convictions and other pending cases.

Asaram, however, argued that these unrelated proceedings do not affect his right to bail in the case, stressing that justice should not be denied based on “moral prejudices” or irrelevant considerations.

His petition also pointed to systematic judicial delays, as criminal appeals in Gujarat often remained pending for decades. Asaram’s counsel argued that his old age and deteriorating health made his case an exception and warranted interim measures.

Published November 22, 2024, 6:21 AM IST