Rajasthan High Court Grants Interim Bail To Asaram Bapu In 2013 Rape Case

Asaram Bapu 2013 Rape Case: Rajasthan High Court Grants Interim Bail

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Asaram Bapu Interim Bail

Asaram Bapu’s 2013 rape case saw a significant development on Tuesday when the Rajasthan High Court granted interim bail to the self-styled godman on medical grounds. This marks the first time Asaram, aged 86, will be out on bail since his arrest in 2013. The order follows a similar interim bail granted by the Supreme Court last week, effective until March 31, 2025, in another rape case.

A Bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vinit Kumar Mathur allowed a temporary suspension of sentence (SOS) for Asaram, considering his advanced age and ongoing health issues.

Grounds For The Interim Bail

Asaram’s lawyer, Nishant Bora, argued that his client’s advanced age and multiple ailments necessitated medical attention. Bora highlighted that the Supreme Court had already granted temporary bail on similar grounds in a separate case and pressed for an equivalent order from the Rajasthan High Court.

The court agreed, stipulating that Asaram’s release would follow the same conditions imposed by the Supreme Court, including:

  • Prohibition from meeting followers in groups.
  • A ban on giving sermons or speaking to the media.
  • Personal responsibility for the boarding, lodging, and expenses of three guards assigned to him.

Unlike parole, which he has been granted multiple times in the past, there will be no restrictions on his movements while on bail, except for these conditions.

Rajasthan High Court grants interim bail to Asaram Bapu in 2013 rape case

Case Background And Convictions

Asaram was arrested in 2013 following allegations of raping a 16-year-old girl at one of his ashrams. After a nearly five-year-long trial, he was convicted in April 2018 by a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act court in Jodhpur. He was sentenced to life imprisonment under multiple charges, including:

  • IPC sections 370(4), 342, 354-A, 376(2)(f), 376-D, 506, 509/34, and 120-B.
  • Sections 23 and 26 of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000.
  • Sections 5(f)/6, 5(g)/6, and 8 of the POCSO Act.

In another 2013 rape case, Asaram was sentenced to life imprisonment in January 2023 by a Gandhinagar sessions court. He was convicted of raping a woman disciple on multiple occasions between 2001 and 2006 at his ashram near Ahmedabad. The court also fined him ₹50,000 as compensation for the victim.

Previous Parole And Health Concerns

Since his conviction, Asaram has been granted parole and temporary releases for medical treatment on several occasions. Notably, he visited a Pune hospital in 2022. Currently, he is undergoing treatment at a Jodhpur hospital while still in custody.

His legal team argued that his deteriorating health and age justify his release on bail, emphasizing that his parole history demonstrated his compliance with court-imposed conditions.

Legal And Public Reactions

Asaram’s bail has drawn mixed reactions from legal and public circles:

  • Support From Legal Team: His lawyers maintain that the interim bail is necessary for his medical care and aligns with humanitarian considerations for elderly prisoners.
  • Criticism From Activists: Women’s rights groups and activists have expressed concerns over the decision, emphasizing the gravity of his crimes and the need for stringent accountability.
  • Judicial Integrity: The court’s decision underscores the balance between legal rights and public accountability, as strict conditions accompany his temporary release.

Interim bail for Asaram Bapu: Security tightened for rape victim's family

Future Legal Proceedings

Asaram’s interim bail is limited to medical grounds, with conditions ensuring he does not misuse his temporary freedom. However, his legal battles are far from over.

  • He will need to return to custody after March 31, 2025, unless further extensions are granted.
  • Ongoing cases and appeals are expected to shape the trajectory of his legal journey.

Public Interest And Media Coverage

Asaram’s high-profile cases continue to draw significant public and media attention. His followers, who once numbered in the millions, remain divided, with some expressing unwavering support and others distancing themselves from following his convictions.

The Asaram Bapu 2013 rape case serves as a crucial reminder of the judiciary’s role in balancing justice, accountability, and humanitarian considerations in complex legal scenarios.

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