Asaram doesn't need hospitalisation but needs round-the-clock care: AIIMS to SC
The Supreme Court was told on Tuesday that an AIIMS medical board has found that self-styled godman Asaram does not require hospitalisation but needs round-the-clock
The Supreme Court was told on Tuesday that an AIIMS medical board has found that self-styled godman Asaram does not require hospitalisation but needs round-the-clock medical assistance, as the court considered his plea seeking interim bail on health grounds. A bench of Justices M M Sundresh and P B Varale was informed about the AIIMS report and posted the matter for further hearing on August 6. Read Full Story Appearing for the Rajasthan government, one of its lawyers told the bench, “The report (of AIIMS) says there is no need for any hospitalisation,” adding, “He (Asaram) is getting all the medical facilities.” Counsel appearing for Asaram, however, told the court that the report “has to be read as a whole”.
AIIMS MEDICAL BOARD ASSESSED ASARAM'S CONDITION The Supreme Court had on July 21 directed AIIMS to constitute a medical board to assess Asaram's health condition while considering his request for interim bail. The latest submission came after the medical board examined his condition and concluded that hospitalisation was not required, while recommending round-the-clock medical assistance. The court will hear the plea again on August 6. CONVICTION AND LIFE SENTENCE Asaram is serving a life sentence following his conviction in a 2013 case involving the rape of a minor. The Rajasthan High Court upheld his conviction and life sentence in May. On June 30, the Supreme Court had sought the Rajasthan government's response to Asaram's plea challenging the high court's May 27 order.
The high court upheld his conviction under IPC Section 376(2)(F) for the rape of the minor, while acquitting him of charges relating to alleged gangrape and penetrative sexual assault on a child under the erstwhile Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The high court also upheld his conviction under several other provisions, including IPC Sections 342, 370(4), 506, 509 and 354(A), along with Sections 7/8 of the POCSO Act and Section 23 of the Juvenile Justice Act. Asaram had earlier been convicted on April 25, 2018, for sexually assaulting a minor student at his ashram and sentenced to life imprisonment under multiple provisions of the IPC, the POCSO Act and the Juvenile Justice Act.
The Supreme Court is now considering his request for interim bail on health grounds, with the latest AIIMS assessment indicating that he does not require hospitalisation but needs round-the-clock medical assistance. His conviction and life sentence in the 2013 case remain in place. Ends
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