Asaram Doesn't Require Hospitalization: AIIMS Tells Supreme Court In Plea To Suspend Rape Sentence

The All India Institute for Medical Sciences has filed a report before the Supreme Court stating that self-styled godman Asaram does not require hospitalization for treatment of his ailment(s). The report however adds that he requires assistance by trained caregivers round the clock.

The report also mentions ailments that Asaram has been found to be suffering from, including coronary artery disease, osteoporosis, chronic hyponatremia, thalassemia, and recurrent gastro incidents involving blood loss.

A bench of Justice MM Sundresh and Justice PB Varale has been dealing with Asaram's challenge to the Rajasthan High Court judgment which upheld his conviction and life sentence under Section 376 IPC for committing rape of a woman at his ashram in 2013.

In June, the Court had issued notice on the petition as well as Asaram's application for suspension of sentence. Recently, the Court called for thorough medical examination of Asaram and sought report from AIIMS as to whether Asaram required to be admitted in a hospital or periodic medication could suffice.

Today, the Court was apprised that AIIMS had filed a report, as per which Asaram does not require hospitalization but needs constant assistance by trained caregivers. Considering unavailability of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, the matter has been re-listed on Thursday.

To recap, a Special POCSO Court at Jodhpur had in April 2018 sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment for the remainder of natural life under Sections 376(2)(f) (rape committed by someone in a position of trust), 376D (gang rape), 370(4) (human trafficking), 342 (wrongful confinement), 506 (criminal intimidation) and 120B (criminal conspiracy) IPC.

He was also convicted for offences under Sections 5(g), 6, 7 and 8 of POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act.

Vide the impugned judgment, the High Court upheld his conviction under the IPC offences (except gang rape and criminal conspiracy charge), but not under POCSO Act. Further, it acquitted co-accused Sharad and Shilpi— who were sentenced to 20 years in prison for allegedly playing an active role in the criminal conspiracy by facilitating the victim's meeting with Asaram.

Appearance: Senior Advocate Dama Seshadri Naidu and AoR Nishant Bishnoi (for Asaram)

Case Title: ASHA RAM @ ASHUMAL Versus STATE OF RAJASTHAN, SLP(Crl) No. 11761/2026