The Rajasthan High Court has denied bail to Asaram Bapu who has been convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in a rape case. The Court also rejected his application for suspension of sentences.

"…looking to the nature and gravity of the allegations, and considering the fact that the appeal itself is ripe for hearing, we are of the opinion that the appellant does not deserve indulgence of bail", the Bench of Justices Vinit Kumar Mathur and Sandeep Mehta held.

Asaram Bapu has been convicted and sentenced for offences under Sections 370(4), 342, 506, 376(2)(f) and 376D of the Indian Penal Code.

Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat appearing for Asaram-appellant had prayed for bail on the grounds that Asaram is an old-aged man of 83 years and suffering from numerous ailments. He had argued that looking at the prolonged custody period suffered by the appellant, he deserved indulgence of bail.

On the other hand, R.R. Chhaperwal Public Prosecutor and P.C. Solanki, Counsel for the Complainant urged that the appeal be listed for hearing on more than one occasion and that the defence counsel, had sought adjournments. He also submitted that releasing the appellant on bail in the present appeal would serve no purpose whatsoever as the appellant continues to be in custody in the criminal trial going on in Gujarat.

The Court noted that the matter was listed for hearing on more than one occasion, but adjournments were sought by the defence for one reason or the other.

The Court also noted that two previous applications for suspension of sentences by the appellant were dismissed by the Court. The Court observed that the appellant continues to be in custody in the trial going on in Gujarat.

The Court considering the nature and gravity of the allegations held that the appellant didn't deserve indulgence of bail. The Court also rejected his application for suspension of sentences.

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Rajasthan High CourtJustice Vinit Kumar MathurJustice Sandeep MehtaSection 376 IPC

Ashish Shaji