The Gujarat High Court's division bench, comprising Justice A.Y. Kogje and Justice Hasmukh D. Suthar, has issued a notice to Asharam Bapu's daughter, wife, and three other followers concerning the 2013 rape case against him.

Asharam Bapu was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment, while Bhartiben and Laxmiben were acquitted of the charges.

The respondents have been given a deadline of August 2 to respond to the notice. The High Court noted a 29-day delay in filing the appeal and, consequently, issued notice to the relevant parties.

Assistant Public Prosecutor Hardik Soni, appeared on behalf of the petitioners (State of Gujarat), before the High Court.

The rape survivor, a former disciple based in Surat, had alleged that Asaram had repeatedly raped her between 2001 and 2007 while she was residing at his ashram in Motera, Ahmedabad. On May 6, 2023, the state's legal department instructed the prosecution to file an appeal against the acquittal of five accused individuals.

Asaram's wife Laxmiben, their daughter Bharati, and four disciples who were accused of aiding and abetting the crime were acquitted by the court for want of evidence.

Asharam, who is currently 81 years old, is serving a prison sentence in Jodhpur for another case involving the rape of a minor girl at his ashram in Rajasthan in 2013.

Case Title: State of Gujarat v. Bhartiben D/O Ashumal @ Asharam Sindhi (Harpalani)

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Gujarat High CourtJustice AY KogjeJustice Hasmukh D. Suthar

Jayanti Pahwa