SC denies bail to Asaram in sexual assault case

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to grant regular and interim bail on medical grounds to religious figure Asaram in a sexual assault case registered in Rajasthan. The bench headed by Chief Justice S Khehar also rejected an interim bail plea on health grounds in another sexual offence case lodged in Gujarat.

"The instant plea is devoid of merit and hence dismissed," the bench, also comprising Justice N V Ramana, said while dealing with the bail plea on health grounds. The bench also rejected the plea for regular bail, after taking note of attacks on crucial witnesses and the attempts of the accused to delay the trial by examining prosecution witnesses on several dates.

On October 28 last year, the apex court had asked Rajasthan government to respond to the plea of Asaram, facing trial in rape cases, seeking modification of the court's order directing him to undergo treatment at AIIMS in Jodhpur.

The Gujarat govt had earlier told the top court that the rape case registered against Asaram would will proceed in an expeditious manner and the trial would be completed within six months, so bail should not be granted to him in the case.