Advocate P C Solanki Plays Key Role as Rajasthan High Court Upholds Life Sentence of Asaram Bapu in Rape Case

Jodhpur, May 2026 : In a landmark ruling with far-reaching legal and social implications, the Rajasthan High Court on Wednesday upheld the life sentence of self-styled godman and convicted rapist Asaram Bapu, rejecting his appeal against conviction in a sexual assault case involving a minor. The verdict reaffirmed the trial court’s findings while partially modifying aspects of the judgment, with senior advocate P C Solanki playing a crucial role as the victim’s counsel throughout the proceedings.

The division bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Monga and Justice Yogendra Kumar Purohit upheld the lower court’s conviction under multiple provisions, including rape under the Indian Penal Code, offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. However, the court acquitted two co-accused aides of Asaram—Sharatchandra and Shilpi—of all charges.

Advocate P C Solanki, representing the victim, was a key legal voice during the hearings and after the verdict. He strongly defended the trial court’s ruling and argued against the appeals filed by the accused. Following the judgment, Solanki stated that while the conviction and life imprisonment of Asaram remain intact, the acquittal of the co-accused introduces a partial alteration in the legal findings.

“As far as the judgment is concerned, it is partly in favour of the accused and partly in favour of the victim. Two accused have been acquitted by the High Court. Given this, the charges of gangrape against Asaram will not sustain in the same form,” Advocate P C Solanki said.

He further confirmed that after consulting the victim, the legal team intends to approach the Supreme Court challenging the acquittal of the co-accused. Solanki also clarified that Asaram is required to surrender, as the life sentence remains in force and has not been stayed by the High Court.

At present, Asaram continues to remain out on interim bail on medical grounds, which has seen multiple extensions over recent years. Initially granted short-term bail in March 2024 for medical treatment, he continued receiving extensions at regular intervals. In January 2025, the Supreme Court granted interim bail until March 31, 2025. Later, in October 2025, the Rajasthan High Court granted six months of interim bail, which was recently extended until July 7.

The High Court concluded hearing arguments on April 20, 2026. Senior Advocate Devadatt Kamat, along with Advocates Deepak Menaria and Yashpal Singh Rajpurohit, represented Asaram and the co-accused. Additional Advocate General Deepak Chaudhary appeared for the State Government, while Advocate P C Solanki represented the victim. The court reserved its judgment the same day after hearing all parties in detail.

The case originates from allegations that Asaram sexually exploited a minor girl on the night of August 15, 2013, at his ashram in Manai. A rape complaint was registered in Delhi on August 21, 2013, and the FIR was later transferred to Mathania in Rajasthan. The accused was arrested on August 31, 2013, from his ashram near Indore and brought to Jodhpur for investigation. The police filed the chargesheet on November 5, 2013.

In April 2018, a special court sentenced Asaram to rigorous life imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life. Co-accused Shilpi and Sharatchandra were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment each. All three challenged the verdict before the Rajasthan High Court, leading to the present judgment.

Over the years, multiple petitions were filed across courts seeking bail and relief, making it one of the most prolonged and closely watched criminal cases in the country. Advocate P C Solanki’s consistent legal representation for the victim has been widely noted throughout the proceedings.

Here is the complete timeline of events:

• Asaram was accused of sexually exploiting a minor girl on the night of August 15, 2013, at his ashram in Manai.
• Six days after the incident—on August 21—a case of rape was registered in Delhi; the FIR was subsequently transferred to Mathania.
• On August 31, 2013, the police arrested Asaram at his ashram near Indore and brought him to Jodhpur.
• The Jodhpur Police completed their investigation into the case and filed the chargesheet on November 5, 2013.
• On April 25, 2018, the court sentenced Asaram to rigorous life imprisonment (imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life).
• On May 27, 2026, the Rajasthan High Court delivered its verdict on the appeals filed against the convictions, granting some relief; the volunteers were acquitted.

Team Maverick