The Supreme Court on Friday refused to grant bail on medical grounds to self-styled Godman Asaram Bapu, convicted for raping a 16-year-old at his Chhindwara Ashram in Rajasthan in 2013.
The Apex Court observed that the trial was going on in the matter and listed the case for further hearing in January.
The Counsel representing Asaram told the Court that the self-styled Godman was getting old and suffering from many ailments.
He said the petitioner needed treatment for his deteriorating health and illness, which was not possible in jail. The Counsel further said that the slow pace at which the trial was going on in the case, it looked like it would never end.
Jodhpur Police had arrested Asaram from his Ashram on August 31, 2013.
On April 25, 2018, the Jodhpur Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Court had sentenced him to life imprisonment, after finding him guilty of raping a 16-year-old at his Chindwara-based Gurukul or Ashram.
Besides Asaram, his two accomplices, including Hostel Warden Shilpi and Hostel Director Sharat were also sentenced to 20 years in prison for their involvement in the case.