Asaram Bapu need not be hospitalised but needs constant medical attention: AIIMS to Supreme Court

A medical report submitted before the Supreme Court by the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) said that self-styled godman and rape convict Asaram Bapu does not require hospitalisation but he would need round the clock (medical attention) [Asha Ram @ Ashumal v. State of Rajasthan].

A bench of Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale examined the report and said that it will hear Bapu's plea for medical bail on August 6, Thursday.

"The first part of the report at says it’s (hospitalisation) is not required. Then it says round the clock (medical attention). We will keep it (for hearing day after," the Court remarked.

The medical report was submitted after the top court on July 21 ordered the director of AIIMS to constitute a team of doctors to conduct a thorough examination of Asaram.

The bail plea was filed a part of Asaram's appeal challenging the Rajasthan High Court's decision to uphold his conviction for sexually assaulting a minor devotee in Jodhpur in 2013.

The case involves allegations that a devotee of Asaram Bapu, then a minor, had been wrongfully confined in the godman's ‘kutiya’ (thatched house) at his ashram in Jodhpur's Manai in August of 2013 and subjected to penetrative sexual assault and criminal intimidation. 

A trial court convicted Asaram Bapu and two co-accused, hostel warden Sanchita Shilpi and school director Sharad Chandra, prompting them to move an appeal before the Rajasthan High Court.

In May this year, the High Court upheld Asaram Bapu's conviction for rape and related offences under Sections 370(4), 342, 509, 506, 354A and 376(2)(f) Indian Penal Code, Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice(Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and Sections 3, 4, 7 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act).

This led to the appeal before the Supreme Court.

Asaram sought interim bail on medical grounds while his appeal remains pending.

His plea said that he has developed “acute internal bleeding”.

However, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for State of Rajasthan, said on July 17 that just 3 months ago, Asaram undertook journeys 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.

On July 17, the Court indicated that it was not inclined to grant such interim relief without hearing the State's response in detail or unless Asaram's health condition clearly warrants it.

The Supreme Court then found it fit to order a comprehensive medical examination of Asaram.

Pursuant to that AIIMS submitted a report after conducting a thorough medical examination of Asaram.

Senior Advocate DS Naidu appeared for Asaram Bapu.

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