No bail for Assaram, Rajasthan Government is directed to set up Medical Board for examine his health

A new development in the ongoing Jodhpur rape case leveled against controversial godman Asaram Bapu has come to fore. Accused of raping a 16 year old minor girl in Jodhpur, controversial godman Asaram Bapu has been imprisoned in the Jodhpur jail since September 2, 2013 charged under Section 376 (rape), 509 (word, gesture or act intended to insult the modesty of the woman) and 354 (assault or criminal force with the intent to outrage the modesty of a woman) of the Indian Penal Code as well as the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POSCO).

The spiritual guru claims to suffer from a neurological disorder known as trigeminal neuralgia which is stated to cause severe headaches. Bemoaning the lack of infrastructure in the jail to treat this neurological disorder, the self styled godman filed a bail application in the Apex Court.

However, the Supreme Court on August 19 firmly rejected the bail plea and has instead directed the Rajasthan Government to set up a medical board to examine Asaram Bapu’s health.

The bench comprising Justice Thakur (presiding) and Justice C. Nagappan  has directed the SN Medical College in Jodhpur to constitute a team of doctors for this purpose. Further, the bail plea is not to be considered till all the witnesses have deposed in the trial.

The Court has asked the government to submit a health report on the next scheduled date of hearing – September 23, 2014.