Rajasthan HC Upholds Asaram’s Life Sentence for Rape of Minor, Acquits Him of Gang Rape Charges

Rajasthan: The Rajasthan High Court has upheld the life imprisonment sentence of self-styled godman Asaram for the rape of a minor under Section 376(2)(f) of the Indian Penal Code, while acquitting him of gang rape charges under Section 376D of the IPC and of offences under Sections 5(g) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The Court also acquitted both co-accused.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit pronounced the verdict on May 27, 2026, and directed Asaram to surrender in view of his continuing conviction. He had been on bail, which was extended by seven days on Monday.

Asaram was convicted on April 25, 2018, by a Special POCSO Court in Jodhpur for sexually assaulting a minor student at his ashram in 2013. The trial court sentenced him to life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life under Sections 376(2)(f), 376D, 370(4), 342, 506, and 120B of the IPC, along with Sections 5(g), 6, 7, and 8 of the POCSO Act.

Co-accused Sanchita Gupta alias Shilpi and Sharat Chandra had been convicted under Sections 370(4) read with 120B and Section 370D of the IPC respectively, and were sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment for allegedly facilitating the victim’s meeting with Asaram as part of a criminal conspiracy.

The Division Bench upheld Asaram’s conviction under Section 376(2)(f) of the IPC, which pertains to rape committed by a person in a position of trust or authority, thereby sustaining his sentence of life imprisonment. However, it acquitted him of the gang rape charge under Section 376D of the IPC and of the charge of gang penetrative sexual assault under Sections 5(g) and 6 of the POCSO Act. His conviction for criminal conspiracy and other allied offences was also not upheld.

Co-accused Sanchita Gupta alias Shilpi and Sharat Chandra were acquitted of all charges.

Case Details

• Case Title: Asharam @ Ashumal v. State of Rajasthan
• Case Number: D.B. Criminal Appeal No. 123 of 2018
• Court: High Court of Rajasthan
• Bench: Justice Arun Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit
• Date of Judgment: May 27, 2026
• Trial Court Order: Special POCSO Court, Jodhpur, conviction dated April 25, 2018