Gujarat High Court Grants Six-Month Suspension Of Sentence To Asaram In 2013 Rape Case
Pranav B Prem
The Gujarat High Court on Thursday (November 6) granted six-month suspension of sentence to Asaram, who is currently serving life imprisonment following his conviction in the 2013 rape case decided by the Gandhinagar Sessions Court. Earlier, the High Court had directed the State government to file its response regarding Asaram’s medical condition. His counsel had informed the Court that a separate bail plea filed by Asaram in another rape case was already listed before the Rajasthan High Court for hearing on October 29.
Also Read: Rajasthan High Court Grants Six-Month Temporary Bail to Asaram Bapu on Medical Grounds
Background
The Rajasthan High Court had, in October 2024, suspended Asaram’s sentence for six months and granted him interim bail on medical grounds. The court had noted that Asaram was in a “vegetative condition” and that the necessary medical facilities were unavailable within the jail premises.For context, Asaram was convicted by a Jodhpur Sessions Court in April 2018 for the rape of a minor at his ashram in 2013 and was sentenced to life imprisonment.
Proceedings Before Gujarat High Court
A division bench comprising Justice Ilesh J. Vora and Justice R.T. Vachhani heard Asaram’s regular bail plea. During the hearing, the bench orally observed that the relief would be granted “on the same line...we will mould it accordingly...six months time.” The detailed written order is awaited. During the arguments, Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, appearing for Asaram, placed before the Court the Rajasthan High Court’s order and requested that similar relief be extended by considering his age and deteriorating health. “My only request is Lordship may consider his medical condition, age...may consider suspension of sentence. Whenever the appeal is listed, we will argue it...We are not trying to delay,” Kamat submitted.
Submissions Of The State & Victim’s Counsel
Opposing the plea, the State’s counsel contended that if medical facilities were unavailable in Rajasthan, the accused could be shifted to a jail in Gujarat where adequate facilities could be arranged. However, Senior Advocate B.B. Naik, appearing for the victim, argued against granting relief, stating that Asaram had earlier expressed a desire to “tour India” under the pretext of treatment. He referred to the Rajasthan High Court’s August 27 order, which had noted the same observation. “Unless he takes treatment at a particular hospital for a long time... last time I said he wants to tour India. This is noted by the Rajasthan High Court also in the August 27 order... Today he is taking treatment... certificates produced do not say that he is critical. No need to grant temporary bail,” Naik submitted.It was also pointed out that the Rajasthan High Court had previously rejected Asaram’s temporary bail plea based on medical reports and had directed him to surrender by August 30.
Taking note of Asaram’s medical condition and the order of the Rajasthan High Court granting him temporary relief, the Gujarat High Court suspended his sentence for six months, granting him interim respite from imprisonment. A detailed order outlining the conditions of suspension is awaited from the bench of Justice Ilesh J. Vora and Justice R.T. Vachhani.
Cause Title: Ashumal @ Asharam V/S State Of Gujarat & Anr.
Case No: CR.MA/4/2025
Coram: Justice Ilesh J. Vora, Justice R.T. Vachhani
