The Supreme Court has denied bail to self-styled godman Asaram bapu, who is facing charges of sexual assault. The bail was sought on medical grounds.
While giving its verdict, the apex court said," The instant plea is devoid of merit and hence dismissed," while refusing to modify its earlier order that had declined him interim bail. It also dismissed regular bail plea of the godman.
"We can't overlook that trial was unnecessarily prolonged & there were attacks on prosecution witnesses, two of whom have died," the Supreme Court said.
Asaram is accused of sexually assaulting a minor girl in 2013 at his ashram in Jodhpur and is in jail since August 2013.
Advertisement
According to an Indian Express report, the apex court also slapped a fine of Rs 1 lakh in fine for filing a “frivolous petition”. It has also ordered fresh FIR against him for attaching a false medical document along with his bail plea.
(With inputs from PTI)
