SC asks Rajasthan if Asaram can be shifted to AIIMS - Delhi

The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Rajasthan government asking if self-styled godman Asaram Bapu, on his plea, be shifted to All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) here for his treatment.

In his petition Asaram Bapu has claimed that in-patient facilities are not available at AIIMS - Jodhpur.

The bench of Justice A.K. Sikri and Justice N.V. Ramana issued the notice as Asaram's counsel told the court that the Jodhpur hospital lacked in-patient facilities.

The apex court by its October 24 order had said that Asaram, subject to his consent, "shall be provided full medical facilities at AIIMS, Jodhpur, and/or Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Rajasthan Ayurved University, Jodhpur, while in judicial custody".

A panel of doctors examined Asaram and in its report to the court had said, "Overall...the medical condition of the petitioner is 'stable'."

Asaram was examined by the medical board for three days on September 19, 20 and 21.

On an earlier occasion, Asaram was examined by a panel of AIIMS doctors and the medical board had opined that he needed no surgery and could be treated through medications.

Asaram is lodged in the Jodhpur Central Jail since September 2, 2013, and is being tried under the provisions of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO).

The 72-year-old godman was arrested after a 16-year-old girl lodged a police complaint on August 20, 2013, accusing him of sexually assaulting her at his ashram in Jodhpur.

--IANS

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