Asaram has received a big blow from the Supreme Court in the case of rape of a minor. The court said that Asaram cannot be granted bail immediately; It is important to listen to the Rajasthan government’s side first. The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Rajasthan government. The court commented, “At this stage, we cannot grant bail to Asaram. We have to first hear the Rajasthan government. Asaram is an influential person, and we should also consider this while hearing the bail application.”
**Supreme Court rejects Asaram’s application**
A bench of Justices MM Sundaresh and Sheel Nagu heard Asaram’s plea and refused to stay his sentence. The bench directed that the medical facilities being provided to the applicant in jail should continue. The court said that bail will be considered only when the health condition is serious.
**Demand for bail on health grounds**
Justice Sundaresh said, “We are not considering suspending the sentence. We will consider it only when there is a grave emergency, such as a threat to life.” He asked the state government to investigate the matter. The state counsel told the bench that Asaram was taken to the hospital on June 2 and his health was quite good. Advocate Dama Sheshadri Naidu, appearing for Asaram, said that he is more than 80 years old and is suffering from many diseases. Naidu claimed that the petitioner had to face a “social media trial”. The victim’s lawyer opposed this argument and said that the victim in this case is a minor.
**Asaram challenged the order of Rajasthan High Court**
Asaram has challenged the Rajasthan High Court order convicting him and sentencing him to life imprisonment in the 2013 minor rape case. He has also sought interim bail citing ill health.
High Court upheld life imprisonment
In a judgment delivered in May, the Rajasthan High Court acquitted Asaram of charges related to gangrape and certain sections of the POCSO Act – along with his co-accused – but upheld the life sentence awarded by a lower court, citing strong evidence proving his guilt in the rape case.