After SC, Rajasthan HC grants interim bail to Asaram in sexual assault case

Days after the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Asaram, the victim's father expressed shock and stated that he is deeply concerned about his family's safety.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to jailed self-styled godman Asaram in connection with a 2013 rape case on medical grounds until March 31.
The Supreme Court on Tuesday granted interim bail to jailed self-styled godman Asaram in connection with a 2013 rape case on medical grounds until March 31.(Photo | PTI)
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JODHPUR: In a significant development, the division bench of the Rajasthan High Court has granted interim bail to Asaram in the Jodhpur sexual harassment case. As per the court's decision, Asaram was released late on the night of January 14 from a private Ayurveda hospital in the Bhagat Ki Kothi area. His interim bail will remain in effect until March 31, with health concerns cited as the primary reason for his release.

A large crowd of his supporters and devotees gathered outside the hospital to welcome his release. The controversial spiritual leader, who has been serving life sentences for two rape cases one in Gandhinagar, Gujarat, and the other in Jodhpur, Rajasthan was granted bail by the Supreme Court on January 7 in the Gujarat case, paving the way for his release in the Jodhpur case.

Asaram’s interim bail marks a temporary release after spending 11 years, 4 months, and 12 days in custody.

A division bench of Justices Dinesh Mehta and Vineet Kumar Mathur granted interim bail to Asaram considering that the nature of the plea was similar to the one filed in the Supreme Court.

"We argued that the plea was similar in nature to that filed in the Supreme Court and the grounds stand valid in this case as well," Asaram's counsel Nishant Bora said.

He said the conditions for Asaram's interim bail are the same as those set by the apex court on January 7 except one.

"If Asaram wants to travel outside (Jodhpur), he will have to bear the expenses of the three constables who have been asked to accompany him," Bora said.

Days after the Supreme Court granted interim bail to Asaram, the victim's father expressed shock and stated that he is deeply concerned about his family's safety.

Pointing out that Asaram Babu was allegedly responsible for the murder of two witnesses in the case, the victim's father said, "The government says laws are in place to ensure capital punishment for crimes against minors, but in Asaram's case, the court continues to show leniency."

Asaram was sentenced to life imprisonment in April 2018 for raping the minor girl, who belongs to a special tribe in Jodhpur, at his ashram in 2013. He has been denied bail 12 times.

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