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Asaram Case Verdict: Rajasthan High Court has upheld the life sentence given to self-proclaimed religious leader Asaram in the rape of a minor. The court rejected his appeal filed against the decision given by the special POCSO court in 2018. However, the High Court gave partial relief and acquitted him of the charges to gangrape and criminal conspiracy.

This decision was given by the Division Bench of Jodhpur High Court. The bench of Justice Arun Kumar Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit also gave its verdict on the appeals of Asaram as well as co-accused Sharadchandra and Shilpi.

What did the High Court say on the decision?

The High Court said in its decision that the charges to rape under the Indian Penal Code, sexual harassment under the POCSO Act and Juvenile Justice Act are proved. On this basis the court upheld the life imprisonment sentence. However, the court also admitted that there was not enough evidence to prove the allegations of gangrape and criminal conspiracy.

The court acquitted co-accused Sharadchandra and Shilpi of all charges. Earlier, the trial court had sentenced both of them to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

What is the whole matter?

This matter is of the year 2013. The allegation was that Asaram had sexually assaulted a minor girl in the ashram located in Jodhpur. After the police investigation, a charge sheet was filed and in April 2018, the special POCSO court convicted Asaram and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court had said that he would have to remain in jail till the end of his life.

The hearing on appeals in this case was completed on April 20, after which the court had reserved the decision. Many lawyers including senior advocate Devdutt Kamat appeared on behalf of Asaram and his associates. Additional Advocate General Deepak Chaudhary appeared in the court on behalf of the Rajasthan government. Advocate PC Solanki presented the case on behalf of the victim.

What steps will be taken against the acquittal of the accused?

The victim’s lawyer in Jodhpur, P.C. Solanki told the media, “After a long hearing, the Division Bench of the High Court has acquitted Sanchita and Sharad. The punishment given to Asaram under sections 376D, 120B and 134 has been removed, but all other findings have been retained. As per the order of the High Court, now he will have to immediately surrender and serve the remaining sentence. The complete written decision has not been issued yet, so it is too early to comment further at this time.” He said that after discussing with the victim, an appeal will be made in the Supreme Court against the decision of acquittal of the co-accused.

Who are the accused who were acquitted?

Shilpi was the warden at Asaram Ashram in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh. He and Sharadchandra alias Sharatchandra were accused of playing a role in sending the victim to Asaram’s ashram in Jodhpur. Sharadchandra was the caretaker of the Chhindwara ashram and was made a co-accused in the 2013 Jodhpur minor sexual assault case. In the year 2018, the special court of Jodhpur had convicted both of them and sentenced them to 20 years of imprisonment.

Where is Asaram Bapu?

Asaram is out on interim bail on medical grounds from October 2025. Even before this, he has received temporary relief and extension in bail period several times for treatment. Just two days ago, his interim bail was extended till July 7.

During his detention, Asaram’s legal team had filed several petitions for bail and other relief in several courts, including the Supreme Court. Now, after the High Court upheld the life sentence and dropped some charges, the case has reached the next stage of the legal process.