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Supreme Court rejects Asaram’s third appeal for bail

Asaram Bapu had appealed for immediate bail submitting that he wished to travel to Kerala for an ayurvedic treatment since he was not getting adequate medical attention in Jodhpur jail where he has been incarcerated since August 2013.

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Self-styled Godman Asaram Bapu is facing sexual harassment charges
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The Supreme Court denied interim or regular bail to self-styled godman Asaram Bapu on medical grounds. Taking strong exception to his conduct in court, the SC also slapped a fine amounting to Rs 1 lakh for filing a forged document in court that backed his claim for medical leave.

“The instant plea is devoid of merit and hence dismissed,” the Chief Justice said while dismissing the appeal. Since his incarceration, Asaram Bapu, who has been accused of sexual assault has applied for bail at least three times. 

Asaram Bapu had appealed for immediate bail submitting that he wished to travel to Kerala for an ayurvedic treatment since he was not getting adequate medical attention in Jodhpur jail where he has been incarcerated since August 2013. 

Asaram’s lawyer had even submitted a letter allegedly issued by the Superintendent of Jodhpur Jail, claiming that Asaram was medically unfit. This letter, was apparently acquired from the jail authorities through an RTI application. 

These claims, though, could not be confirmed since the Godman refused to undergo tests at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Jodhpur. 

The jail superintendent denied writing the letter, let alone receiving the RTI application. Once this was revealed, Asaram’s lawyer admitted that he had submitted the forged document and apologised for the same. Dismissing the apology, the top court pulled up the defence counsel and directed the police to slap fresh charges on those involved in this offence.   

Taking a tough stand, the bench took note of the dilatory tactics observed by the defence and the alleged threat to prosecution witnesses in this trial. In order to demonstrate deliberate delay, it was pointed out, that the investigating officer was summoned on 104 dates of hearing, for cross-examination. 

The court also noted that even the lady Investigating Officer was threatened by a hired assassin. The said assassin, the court was informed, has since been arrested, and is being proceeded against.

Health issues 

Asaram Bapu had appealed for immediate bail submitting that he wished to travel to Kerala for an ayurvedic treatment since he was not getting adequate medical attention in Jodhpur jail where he has been incarcerated since August 2013. Asaram’s lawyer had even submitted a letter allegedly issued by the Superintendent of Jodhpur Jail, claiming that Asaram was medically unfit. 

The Chief Justice of Supreme Court rejected the bail plea saying,“The instant plea is devoid of merit and hence dismissed.” 

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