look news india
The troubles of self-proclaimed Baba Asaram are not showing any sign of diminishing. Asaram, who is serving a sentence in the 2013 case of raping a minor, got a huge blow from the Supreme Court on Tuesday. The apex court has clearly refused to grant him immediate bail. Asaram had challenged the Rajasthan High Court order which had upheld his conviction and life imprisonment.
Supreme Court sought answer from Rajasthan government
Justice M.M. A bench of Justice Sundaresh and Justice Sheel Nagu has issued a notice to the Rajasthan government while hearing Asaram’s petition. The court has directed the state government to file its detailed reply within two weeks. The court made it clear that the final decision on bail will be taken only after hearing the state’s side.
Why was the bail application rejected?
During the hearing, the bench made oral remarks and said, ‘We are not granting bail right now. Only after hearing the arguments of the state government, we will consider whether there is a serious need for granting bail, such as a situation in which the life of the accused is in danger. At the same time, the government lawyer strongly opposed the interim relief and said that considering the seriousness of the case, there is no need for bail and hospital facilities are being provided to the accused if needed.
Lawyers argued about age and health
Advocate DS Naidu, appearing for Asaram, told the court that his client is now 90 years old and is suffering from serious health problems. He said that he is undergoing treatment in an Ayurvedic hospital and the Supreme Court is his only hope now. He also appealed for relief citing the ongoing negativity on social media.
What is the whole matter of 2013?
Asaram was arrested in 2013 on charges of sexual harassment of his own disciple. The trial court had convicted him on April 25, 2018 and sentenced him to life imprisonment. However, on May 27 this year, the Rajasthan High Court upheld the conviction but acquitted him of some specific sections (such as gang rape and some serious POCSO charges). After this decision, Asaram surrendered in Jodhpur Central Jail. Now all eyes are on the next hearing of the Supreme Court.