Rajasthan High Court upholds Asaram's life sentence, removes gangrape charge

The Rajasthan High Court has confirmed the life sentence of self-styled godman Asaram, but dropped the charge of gangrape against him. The court ruled on the appeal against his 2018 conviction for sexually assaulting a minor girl at his ashram in 2013. While upholding the life sentence, the court noted that the evidence did not support the gangrape charge. Asaram is currently out on temporary bail, which was extended by seven days on May 25. The court has now directed him to surrender to serve his sentence. Asaram, a controversial religious figure, was convicted by a trial court in 2018 for the rape of a 16-year-old disciple. The case attracted widespread attention, and his arrest in 2013 led to protests. The High Court's decision comes after years of legal proceedings. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on Asaram.