Supreme Court denies interim bail to Asaram Bapu in rape case

The Supreme Court has rejected interim bail for Asaram Bapu, an 85-year-old spiritual leader serving a life sentence for raping a minor. Bapu had sought bail citing deteriorating health, but the court found it unnecessary based on a medical report from AIIMS Jodhpur. The report stated that while Asaram does not require hospitalization, his health should be monitored 24 hours.

The court retained the petition and allowed Bapu to file a fresh bail application if his health worsens. He is currently on 20-day parole granted by the High Court.

Asaram was convicted in 2013 by Rajasthan High Court for raping a minor and sentenced to life imprisonment. In May this year, the High Court upheld his life sentence while acquitting him of gangr@pe and certain POCSO Act charges, citing sufficient evidence in the rape case.