SC declines Asaram’s plea for sentence suspension on health grounds

The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain a plea filed by self-styled godman Asaram, currently serving a life sentence in a rape case, seeking suspension of the sentence due to his deteriorating health condition.
A bench comprising Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Dipankar Datta directed senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi to pursue relief from the Rajasthan High Court after he stated that Asaram was willing to accept the public prosecutor’s assertion that he could receive treatment at Madhavbaug Heart Hospital in Maharashtra’s Khopoli while in police custody.
The bench asked Asaram to file an application before the Rajasthan High Court for treatment at Madhavbaug Heart Hospital, assuring that it would be reviewed in accordance with the law. Justice Khanna also noted deliberate efforts made by Asaram to delay the hearing of his appeal before the high court against his conviction and sentence in the case.