SC directs medical examination of Asaram Bapu

New Delhi :  The Supreme Court Tuesday directed the constitution of a medical board to examine self-styled godman Asaram Bapu for trigeminal neuralgia, which causes severe headaches to those afflicted with the condition.

Asaram, 72, is presently in jail after a 16-year-old girl lodged a police complaint on Aug 20, 2013 accusing him of sexually assaulting her at his ashram in Jodhpur.

An apex court bench headed by Justice T.S. Thakur directed the principal of Jodhpur-based S.N. Medical College to constitute a team of doctors that will examine Asaram for his ailment and the course of treatment required.

The court said the report of the medical board will be submitted to it by Sep 23, when the matter will be further heard.

Meanwhile, Asaram Bapu will continue to remain in jail as the court said that his bail will only be considered after all the witnesses in the case have deposed before the trial court.