Jodhpur High Court Sets Date for Asaram's Rape Conviction Appeal Hearing
The principal seat of the Rajasthan High Court in Jodhpur has announced that it will commence regular hearings for the appeals filed by self-styled godman Asaram and two co-accused, challenging their conviction in a high-profile rape case. The hearings are scheduled to begin on February 16, with the court issuing strict directives to ensure an expeditious process.
Court Issues Stringent Directions for Uninterrupted Proceedings
In a significant development, a division bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit delivered these directions on Monday while addressing petitions that contest the sentences handed down to Asaram and the other two individuals, identified as Shilpa and Sharad Chandra. The court order explicitly states, "The hearing shall commence from Feb 16 and no request for adjournment shall be entertained." This firm stance underscores the judiciary's commitment to avoiding delays in this long-pending matter.
Furthermore, the bench has mandated that all related matters be taken up on a day-to-day basis. The hearings will proceed either at the end of the daily board or at 2 PM, whichever occurs earlier, until the arguments from all learned counsel are fully concluded. This structured approach aims to streamline the proceedings and prevent any unnecessary protractions.
Background and Supreme Court's Intervention
It is important to note that this move follows a directive from the Supreme Court in December 2025, which ordered that the pending appeals be taken up expeditiously and disposed of within three months of that order. The Supreme Court's intervention highlights the urgency and sensitivity surrounding this case, which has garnered widespread public and media attention over the years.
Asaram, the central figure in this legal battle, is currently out of jail on a six-month bail granted on health grounds since October 29, 2025. During this period, he has been undergoing medical treatment. His release on bail, coupled with the upcoming appeal hearings, adds a layer of complexity to the ongoing judicial process, as the court balances legal procedures with considerations of health and justice.
The case has been a focal point in discussions about accountability and the legal system's handling of sexual assault allegations against influential figures. With the hearings set to begin soon, all eyes will be on the Jodhpur High Court as it navigates this contentious appeal, aiming to deliver a verdict that upholds the principles of justice while adhering to the strict timelines set by the higher judiciary.
