Supreme Court Declines Bail Plea of Asaram Bapu in 2013 Rape Case
The Supreme Court has once again declined to entertain the bail plea of self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, who stands convicted of raping a minor girl in 2013. The apex court’s decision came while hearing Asaram’s appeal against a July 2022 Rajasthan High Court order. The High Court had not only denied him bail but had also
“rejected the godman’s prayer for suspension of sentence.”
The case against Asaram revolves around grave allegations of sexual assault on a minor girl from Uttar Pradesh. The incident is said to have occurred in Jodhpur’s Manai village in August 2013. An FIR was swiftly registered against him on August 20, 2013, leading to his arrest on the midnight of August 31, 2013. He faced charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Juvenile Justice Act (JJ Act), and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).
Following a four-year trial that began in 2014, Asaram was convicted by the trial court in 2018 and was
“sentenced to life imprisonment.”
His appeal against this conviction remains pending before the High Court.
In his plea to the Supreme Court, Asaram, citing his advanced age of around 83 years, argued that he has been suffering from numerous ailments and has been in prolonged custody. The counsel representing the Additional Solicitor General, on behalf of the CBI, highlighted that Asaram had been incarcerated for over ten years and pointed out that the appeal against his conviction was taking an extended period to be heard. However, the Supreme Court remained firm in its stance, refusing to entertain the plea.
The case against Asaram has garnered significant national attention. Post his arrest, two women from Surat filed complaints, alleging that they were subjected to rape by both Asaram and his son between 2002 and 2005.
Security measures were notably heightened during the trial’s duration. The Jodhpur Police, in anticipation of the verdict, vacated Asaram’s ashram, asking his followers to leave the premises. To maintain peace and order, Section 144 was imposed in the city.
The trial witnessed several disturbing events. Nine witnesses were attacked during its course, with three succumbing to their injuries. The victim’s statement was recorded in April 2014, while Asaram and other accused presented their statements in October 2016. The trial’s final arguments concluded in March 2018, with the verdict being pronounced in April 2018.
