The Supreme Court on June 29 issued notice to the Rajasthan government on a petition filed by self-styled godman Asaram Bapu challenging the Rajasthan High Court judgment that upheld his conviction in the 2013 sexual assault case involving a minor girl. However, the Court declined to grant interim bail at this stage, saying it would first hear the State and examine whether his medical condition justifies any temporary relief.
Background of the Case
Asaram Bapu was convicted by a Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur in April 2018 and sentenced to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. The prosecution alleged that a minor devotee was wrongfully confined at his Jodhpur ashram in August 2013 and sexually assaulted.
In May 2026, the Rajasthan High Court partly allowed the appeals. While it upheld Asaram's conviction for rape and certain allied offences, it set aside the convictions for gang rape and criminal conspiracy, holding that those charges were not proved. The High Court also acquitted co-accused Sharad Chandra and Sanchita Shilpi of the charges against them.
Court Observations
A Bench of Justices MM Sundresh and Sheel Nagu made it clear that it was not inclined to suspend the sentence or grant bail without hearing the State.
"We are not granting bail now. Subject to hearing the State, we will consider if there is grave necessity to grant bail, like if his life is in danger,"
the Bench observed while issuing notice on the special leave petition.
Senior Advocate D.S. Naidu, appearing for Asaram, submitted that the petitioner is around 90 years old, suffers from multiple medical ailments and has been receiving treatment. He also argued that his client had faced a "social media conviction."
Opposing any interim relief, the State submitted that the case concerns a minor victim and that adequate medical treatment had already been provided whenever required.
The Bench directed that the medical facilities currently being extended to Asaram should continue. It also granted liberty to seek urgent listing if his health condition deteriorates.
Decision
The Supreme Court issued notice to the Rajasthan government on Asaram Bapu's appeal and granted three weeks for filing a response. It declined to grant interim bail or suspend the sentence at this stage, stating that any such relief would be considered only after hearing the State or if there is a grave medical emergency threatening the petitioner's life.
Case Details:
Case Title: ASHA RAM @ ASHUMAL v. STATE OF RAJASTHAN
Case Number: SLP (Crl.) No. 11761/2026
Judge: Justice M.M. Sundresh and Justice Sheel Nagu
Decision Date: June 30, 2026
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