Supreme Court declines medical bail to Asaram
What's the story
The Supreme Court has denied interim bail to self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram on medical grounds. The court, however, allowed him to have a trained caretaker of his choice on a round-the-clock basis in jail. This decision came after the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) submitted a medical report stating that while Asaram may not need hospitalization, he might need round-the-clock medical assistance.
Medical assessment
If health deteriorates, he can mention the matter again: SC
The bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale took note of the AIIMS report and said Asaram could have a trained caretaker.
The court also said that if his health deteriorates further, he can mention the matter again for consideration.
The medical report was submitted after the SC directed the director of AIIMS to form a team of physicians to undertake a comprehensive assessment of Asaram on July 21.
Legal proceedings
Conviction for sexually assaulting a minor in 2013
The bail plea was filed as part of Asaram's appeal against the Rajasthan High Court's decision to uphold his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor devotee in Jodhpur in 2013.
The trial court had convicted him and two co-accused, hostel warden Sanchita Shilpi and school director Sharad Chandra.
Their conviction was upheld by the Rajasthan High Court under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO Act).
Health scrutiny
Claims of health issues questioned by SG Mehta
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta had earlier questioned Asaram's health claims, pointing out that he traveled to Kashi Vishwanath and Ayodhya after getting bail on medical grounds.
"He got the bail on the ground that he was in vegetative state. But now he is roaming around," the SG said.
The court had then ordered a comprehensive medical examination of Asaram.