Jain Monk Jailed in Rape Case

In a significant legal development, a Surat sessions court has sentenced Jain monk Acharya Shantisagarji Sharma to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman, a case dating back to 2017.
Despite being a monk for over 27 years, the court held him accountable under the law. Notably, Sharma had already spent seven years in custody as an undertrial, which was considered during sentencing. His overall conduct during the trial and years of religious service were also reviewed as mitigating factors.
This ruling sends a strong message about justice prevailing regardless of social or religious standing. The court emphasized that no individual is above the law, and every victim deserves a fair and conclusive hearing.






