The Gujarat High Court has granted relief to Asaram, convicted of rape. The court will hear his appeal, acknowledging his age, having been imprisoned for nearly a decade. Proceedings are set to commence on April 4.
Justices AS Supehia and Vimal Vyas, overseeing Asaram's petition to suspend his jail sentence, prioritized the appeal over his sentence. The court noted he has served 10 years and is now 85. They have chosen to focus on the main appeal instead of his plea to suspend the sentence.
Supreme Court had previously declined relief
Previously, the Supreme Court had dealt a blow to Asaram, serving a life sentence for rape, by rejecting his plea to suspend the sentence due to his failing health. Justices Sanjeev Khanna and Deepankar Datta denied release and advised seeking relief with the Rajasthan High Court. The Supreme Court marked Asaram's intentional delays in the hearing of his conviction and sentence.
Son Narayan Sai also serving life imprisonment
It's noteworthy that Narayan Sai, son of Asaram, is also serving a life sentence for rape. Recently, Narayan requested temporary bail to visit and care for his ill father, claiming his father was at the final stage of his life, although the petition was later withdrawn.
Father and son accused by two sisters
In 2013, two sisters from Surat had accused Asaram and his son Narayan Sai of raping them. According to the victims, between 2002 and 2005, father and son repeatedly preyed upon them whilst they were disciples at Asaram's ashram. During that period, they were often brought to them by the men's wives. Post these allegations, both father and son exploited them. Victims shared that Narayan Sai abused them at different locations, establishing unnatural relations. He often did this with many girls. The Delhi Police arrested him in December 2013.
