BackLAW
HC reserves order on Asaram's plea challenging conviction for sexual assault on minor
The Rajasthan High Court reserved its order on Asaram's appeal against his life sentence in a minor sexual assault case. Hearings were held in a time-bound schedule directed by the Supreme Court, with final submissions completed and the order reserved on April 20, 2026. Asaram and co-accused face ongoing bail considerations as the appeal proceeds.
Why It Matters
This is a high-profile sexual assault case involving a controversial religious figure, testing appellate procedures and the application of time-bound judicial directions in India.
Timeline
8 Events
High Court reserves order on Asaram's plea challenging conviction
April 20, 2026
The division bench of Justices Arun Monga and Yogendra Kumar Purohit concluded marathon hearings after final submissions and reserved its order on April 20, 2026, as directed by the Supreme Court's time-bound schedule.
Asaram seeks extension of interim bail and urgent consideration
April 15, 2026
Asaram sought an extension of his interim bail, citing medical concerns, and urged urgent consideration on April 15, 2026, as the existing relief nears expiry.
High Court schedules day-to-day hearings from February 16, 2026
February 16, 2026
Following the apex court's instructions, the Rajasthan High Court scheduled day-to-day hearings from February 16, 2026.
Supreme Court directs disposal of pending appeals within three months
December 2025
The Supreme Court in December 2025 directed that pending appeals should be disposed of within three months.
Asaram granted temporary bail on medical grounds
October 29, 2025
Asaram has been on temporary bail since October 29, 2025, on medical grounds.
Trial court sentences Asaram to life imprisonment
April 2018
A trial court in Jodhpur sentenced Asaram, then 85, to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life in April 2018.
Co-accused in the same case receive sentences; two acquitted
2018
In the same case, co-accused Shiva and Shilpi were handed 20-year jail terms, while two others, Sharad and Prakash, were acquitted.
Asaram arrested in 2013 for alleged sexual assault at his ashram near Jodhpur
2013
Asaram was arrested in 2013 for allegedly assaulting a minor at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur.