The Rajasthan High Court has upheld the life imprisonment awarded to self-styled godman Asaram in the 2013 rape case of a minor girl at his Jodhpur ashram. The court directed him to surrender before Jodhpur Central Jail while dismissing his appeal against conviction.
Court's Decision on Conviction
The bench maintained that the victim's allegations against Asaram were credible and that the offence of rape stood established. The court emphasized that the prosecution had successfully proven the charges beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the confirmation of the life sentence.
Acquittal of Co-Accused
In a significant development, the High Court also acquitted two co-accused — Shilpi and Sharat Chandra — observing that there was insufficient direct evidence to sustain gang rape charges against them. The court noted that while the victim's testimony was reliable regarding Asaram, it did not sufficiently implicate the other two individuals to warrant conviction.
The case dates back to 2013 when a minor girl alleged that she was sexually assaulted by Asaram at his ashram in Jodhpur. The trial court had sentenced Asaram to life imprisonment in 2018, which he appealed against. The High Court's dismissal of his appeal marks a significant legal milestone in the long-running case.
Asaram, who has been in custody since his arrest, will now serve his life sentence in Jodhpur Central Jail. The court's order reinforces the judiciary's commitment to justice in cases of sexual violence against minors.
