Top Court Restricts Asaram from Meeting Followers During Bail Period
The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Asaram Bapu on medical grounds until March 31 in connection with the 2013 rape case. The 86-year-old, currently serving a life sentence in Jodhpur jail for another rape case, cited multiple age-related health issues, including a heart condition, to seek bail.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and Rajesh Bindal directed that Asaram must refrain from meeting his followers following his release.
Asaram was convicted in April 2018 by a Jodhpur court and sentenced to life imprisonment for the rape of a teenage girl at his ashram in 2013. The Gujarat High Court had previously rejected his bail plea on August 29, 2024, citing insufficient grounds for suspension of the sentence.
The chargesheet, filed on November 6, 2013, implicated Asaram and four co-accused under the POSCO Act, Juvenile Justice Act, and IPC sections. The case was initiated after the teenage victim from Uttar Pradesh accused Asaram of sexually assaulting her on the night of August 15, 2013, at his Manai ashram near Jodhpur.
Background:
Asumal Sirumalani, known to his followers as Asaram Bapu, rose to prominence in the 1970s, establishing over 400 ashrams globally. Despite his spiritual influence, legal troubles have significantly marred his reputation.
This news report is curated with insights from multiple reliable news sources.
