The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected self-styled godman Asaram's petition seeking interim bail in a rape case. The 78-year-old had moved court for reprieve citing health reasons, reported PTI. On Tuesday, his bail plea was shot down by the Rajasthan High Court.

The apex court observed it will not be appropriate of the bench to grant interim bail to the accused since the trial is nearing its conclusion. Justice Nirmal Jeet Kaur rejected Asaram's lawyer's argument that the trial was taking too long.

The case is related to allegations of sexual assault levelled against the septuagenarian by a teenager. The survivor said she was raped in August 2013. Her parents, both devotees of the godman, had taken her to his Jodhpur ashram for what they were told was going to be a healing ritual. The girl said Asaram sexually assaulted her on August 15, 2013, and warned that her family would be in danger if she reported the crime.